Beloved rock singer dead at 83: ‘He was in pain’
Syracuse.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Donnie Iris, the beloved rock singer known for hits like “Ah! Leah!” and “Love is Like a Rock,” died at age 83 from bladder cancer after a three-year battle.
- Iris performed his final show on September 28 while seated due to radiation treatment, demonstrating his dedication despite his illness.
- Born Dominic Ierace, Iris first gained fame in the 1970s with The Jaggerz and later joined Wild Cherry before launching a successful solo career with Donnie Iris and the Cruisers.
- His 1980 single “Ah! Leah!” became an unofficial anthem for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and he released 11 albums between 1980 and 2010.
- Iris announced his retirement on October 9, expressing gratitude to his family, bandmates, and fans for their support throughout his six-decade career.
