Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh rock legend behind the 1980 hit "Ah! Leah!," has died at 83.
A former bandmate and friends confirmed his death Monday, Oct. 26, to CBS Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Reports say he died after a three-year battle with bladder cancer. Iris had played his final concert on Sept. 28 at the opening of Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh, then announced his retirement from live performing due to health concerns. In his farewell message, he called it a great honor to make music for his fans.
Born Dominic Ierace on Feb. 28, 1943, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Iris first found fame with The Jaggerz, earning a gold record for "The Rapper." He later joined Wild Cherry, where he met keyboardist Mark Avsec, and the two formed Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. Their debut album, "Back on the Streets," included "Ah! Leah!," which reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other favorites include "Love Is Like a Rock" and "My Girl." Iris released 11 studio albums and toured with acts including Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, and Hall & Oates.
His musical roots began at home. An earlier profile said he recorded a church hymn on vinyl as a child, with his mother accompanying him on piano. She taught him to sing.
Tributes poured in Monday night. Colleague Joe Grushecky called him the most beloved Pittsburgh musician of all time, and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor said he was "part of the soundtrack of our city."
Iris leaves behind daughters and a large extended family, whom he thanked in his farewell message.
JubileeCast offers prayers of comfort for the Iris family and everyone grieving a Pittsburgh icon.
