Donnie Iris, Pittsburgh Legend and ‘Ah! Leah!’ Singer, Dies at 83

Rock music has lost a treasured talent with the passing of Donnie Iris, who succumbed to bladder cancer on 26 October 2023, at the age of 83. The legendary singer, renowned for hits such as “Ah! Leah!” and “The Rapper,” had been battling the disease for three years. His death was confirmed by family and friends on social media, as well as by notable publications including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Variety.

Iris’s final performance took place at Citizens Live at The Winery in Pittsburgh on 28 September 2023, shortly before he announced his retirement. In a poignant open letter dated 9 October, he reflected on his health struggles and expressed deep gratitude to his family, fellow musicians, crew members, promoters, venues, and, most importantly, his fans. “After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances,” he wrote.

The Pittsburgh native described his last concert as a “meaningful and fitting moment” to share with the audience in his hometown. He further remarked, “While I will no longer be performing live, the memories, the music, and the connections we have built together will always remain close to my heart… It has been my great honour to make music for you.”

Born in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Iris’s musical journey began as a young boy. He formed a doo-wop group called the Fabutons during his high school years and later transitioned to a soul ensemble known as the Jaggerz while attending college. His time with the Jaggerz in the late 1960s was particularly significant, as they achieved success with their song “The Rapper,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the late 1970s, Iris joined the popular band Wild Cherry, contributing as a guitarist and backing vocalist. It was here that he crossed paths with keyboardist Mark Avsec, who would become a pivotal collaborator. Together, they established their own group, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, which featured guitarist Marty Lee Hoenes, bassist Albritton McClain, and drummer Kevin Valentine. The band gained notoriety in the 1980s with a string of hits, including “Love Is Like a Rock” and “That’s the Way Love Ought to Be.”

During his final performance, Iris opted to sit on a chair while singing, having undergone radiation treatment earlier the same day. Avsec shared with the Post-Gazette that Iris “sang like a bird that night,” despite the visible challenges he faced due to his worsening condition. “It was the first time on a chair, and he didn’t like that. But the poor guy, the cancer was spreading, and he was in pain, and he really wanted to do that show and be with the people,” he reminisced.

Many within the music community have paid tribute to Iris, highlighting his immense popularity and the impact he had on Pittsburgh’s music scene. Joe Grushecky, frontman of the Iron City Houserockers, declared Iris as “the most beloved Pittsburgh musician of all time.” He added, “I don’t know anyone who was loved more than Donnie. He just had that warmth about him, and it came through in his performance.”

As fans and peers reflect on his indelible mark on the rock music landscape, Donnie Iris’s legacy as a talented musician and cherished figure in Pittsburgh will remain alive in the hearts of those who enjoyed his music. His contributions to the industry and the connections he forged with his audience will not be forgotten, even as the lights dim on his remarkable career.