‘Ah! Leah!’ singer Donnie Iris dies at 83
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Pittsburgh-based rock star Donnie Iris, known for his power pop anthem "Ah! Leah!", died on Monday at 83 after a multi-year fight with bladder cancer.
Iris, born Dominic Ierace in 1943 in New Castle, Pa., was known as the 'King of Cool' during his six decade performing career.
Iris first hit chart success with the song "The Rapper" in 1970 as performed by his band The Jaggerz. With Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, Iris hit No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Ah!Leah!" In 1980 and No. 37 with "Love is Like a Rock" in 1981.
Iris and the Cruisers recorded 10 albums from 1980 to 2010 and performed at many venues in Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio up until his last performance in Pittsburgh on Sept. 28.
On Sept. 7, Iris and the Cruisers were a last-minute replacement for Bret Michaels at the Canfield Fair. Michaels had canceled the gig due to health reasons.