Beloved singer Donnie Iris has passed away at 83 after battling bladder cancer for the past three years. He was best known for his work with The Jaggerz, Wild Cherry, and Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. His family and friends shared the news of the iconic singer-songwriter’s passing in an official statement to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The statement announcing the tragic news left everyone grieving and in shock.
Donnie Iris passes away at 83
Iris’ colleague, Joe Grushecky, remembered the legendary musician and shared, “For my money, he was the most beloved Pittsburgh musician of all time. 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.”In another statement from longtime keyboard player and best friend Mark Avsec, he fondly remembered Iris and shared with the outlet, “He sang like a bird that night. 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.”
Who was Donnie Iris?
Born in Pittsburgh in 1943, Donnie Iris was a legendary musician. He established his connection with music very early in life. He first started singing and performing in a doo-wop group in high school during the early ’60s. He then moved on to rock ‘n’ roll and R&B cover bands before The Jaggerz were finally formed in 1964 and released their debut album in 1969, titled ‘Introducing the Jaggerz.’In the 70s, Wild Cherry had already established themselves in the music scene; however, Iris joined the group and released multiple songs. While working with this group, he found his best friend, Avsec, who followed him when Donnie started the group Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. The two had just shared the stage last month.Donnie Iris played his final performance on September 28, 2026, at the grand opening of Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He later announced on October 9 that he was retiring from the music scene.
