Donnie Iris
Donnie Iris (born February 28, 1943) is an American rock musician known for his work with The Jaggerz and Wild Cherry during the 1970s, and for his solo albums during the 1980s. He was responsible for writing the #2 Billboard hit "The Rapper", with the Jaggerz, and was a member of Wild Cherry after they experienced a #1 hit with "Play That Funky Music". After going on to release five solo albums in the 1980s accompanied with many charting singles, Iris continues to release new material and tour in the Ohio River Valley area.
Born Dominic Ierace in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Iris began singing at weddings at age five, and by eight was performing on local television and entering talent contests. When his voice changed, he took up the drums but later got back into singing while in high school. Donnie learned how to sing from his Mother and then from Tony Bennett and Marvin Gaye. A self-taught guitarist, he formed Donnie & the Donnells while in college.
The first true compilation album by the band was released in 2001, The Best of Donnie Iris. In 2004, the band celebrated its 25th anniversary with a new album, 25 Years, and performed live at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 4,000 people. This concert was known for featuring a four drummer lineup of current and previous drummers for the band; Kevin Valentine, Tommy Rich, Brice Foster and Mark Avsec’s daughter Danna Avsec, who was the guest drummer. Since then, the band has used a three drummer line-up for several concerts. The band’s newest album, Ellwood City, released in 2006, is a tribute to Iris’ hometown, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Today, Donnie owns and operates his own mortgage company in Aliquippa, PA. Iris also received special commendations and awards from United States Congresswoman Melissa Hart and Pennsylvania state representative Frank LaGrotta. Now a middle-aged grandfather, Iris says he’s’ still hopeful that someone somewhere might hear his new stuff and make it available.June 17, 2006 was recognized throughout Lawrence County, Pennsylvania as Donnie Iris Day by Ellwood City Executive Council President Glenn Jones and Mayor Roy P. Meehan.
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