The Pittsburgh singer wrote and sang the Jaggerz’s 1970 hit before fronting the Cruisers. Drummer Joe Vitale Jr. announced his death on October 26, weeks after Iris retired from concerts.
Pittsburgh rock singer Donnie Iris died on October 26 at 83, Cruisers drummer Joe Vitale Jr. said in a Facebook post that day, cited by Billboard. Iris had retired from concert performances earlier in October.
Iris was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023 after his sold-out 80th-birthday show and canceled several concerts before returning to the stage. No cause of death has been announced.
Born Dominic Ierace on February 28, 1943, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Iris grew up in nearby Ellwood City. He began singing at weddings and talent contests as a child.
He wrote and sang the Jaggerz’s “The Rapper,” which brought the band national success in 1970. After leaving the Jaggerz, he joined Wild Cherry in 1978 and played on its 1979 album Only the Wild Survive. Iris then left with keyboardist Mark Avsec to form Donnie Iris and the Cruisers.
| Song | Original album | Hot 100 peak |
|---|---|---|
| “The Rapper” — the Jaggerz | We Went to Different Schools Together (1970) | No. 2 |
| “Ah! Leah!” — Donnie Iris and the Cruisers | Back on the Streets (1980), the band’s debut |
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| No. 29 in 1981 |
| “My Girl” — Donnie Iris and the Cruisers | King Cool (1981) | No. 25, his highest Cruisers-era position |
Iris continued touring with the Cruisers in Pittsburgh and beyond until his final concert at Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh on September 28, 2026. On October 9, he announced his retirement from future concert performances, citing recent health issues. He said music had given him more than he could express.
From the earliest days to every chapter of my life, your support has been a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Vitale recalled Iris giving him a hug before their first full show together in 2021 and praised the singer’s smile, energy and personality.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor called Iris “part of the soundtrack of our city” in an October 26 tribute, CBS Pittsburgh said. O’Connor thanked him for sharing his music and bringing the city together through pride in his work.
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