Donnie Iris 1943 – 2026

Biography

# Donnie Iris

**Rock’s Blue-Collar Hitmaker Has Died**

Donnie Iris, the powerhouse rock vocalist who scored massive hits with the Jaggerz and Wild Cherry before launching a successful solo career, died October 26 at age 83 from bladder cancer. Born Dominic Ierace in New Castle on February 28, 1943, Iris became a defining voice of ’70s and ’80s rock with an infectious energy that audiences couldn’t resist.

The multi-talented musician first turned heads in 1970 when he co-wrote the No. 2 Billboard smash “The Rapper” with the Jaggerz, cementing his place in rock history. He later joined Wild Cherry before transitioning to solo stardom in 1980. His charming vocals and hook-laden rock sound yielded hits like “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock,” proving his staying power across two decades of chart success. With his band the Cruisers backing him up, Iris remained a beloved fixture in rock music right up until his death.