If you grew up hearing "Ah! Leah!" on Pittsburgh radio, this news will land close to home. Donnie Iris, the rocker behind the song, died Monday, October 26, 2026, at age 83. He had fought bladder cancer since 2023, according to reports. Here is his career, his final performances and the tributes from his hometown.
Donnie Iris died Monday at age 83. A former bandmate and friends confirmed the death to CBS Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was born Dominic Ierace in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 1943, and grew up in nearby Ellwood City. In 1970 he was a member of the Jaggerz, whose hit "The Rapper" he wrote. His solo hit "Ah! Leah!" came from his 1980 album Back on the Streets. Reports said he died after a bladder cancer fight that lasted about three years. A Live Nation release said the cancer was found shortly after a sold-out 80th birthday show in March 2023. It said he had surgery and that his prognosis was good.
If you want to hear his music, search for "The Rapper" and "Ah! Leah!" on your streaming or music service. Catalog availability varies by country, so try another service if a track does not appear. The 1980 album Back on the Streets is the best place to start for his solo work. For more on the region's music history, see Pittsburgh music history.
Iris retired from live performing this fall. His last show was September 28 at Citizens Live at the Wylie, during the venue's grand opening. In announcing his retirement on October 9, he cited recent health problems. In June 2023, after his cancer diagnosis, he could not open for REO Speedwagon at a Youngstown show. He returned to the stage in March 2024 after chemotherapy.
What were Donnie Iris's biggest hits? His best-known songs are "The Rapper," a 1970 hit with the Jaggerz, and "Ah! Leah!," his 1980 solo song. "The Rapper" reached No. 2 on Billboard's chart, and "Ah! Leah!" peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1981. Fans who want more on the 1980s rock era can read about Ah! Leah! and the rock sound of the period.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor thanked Iris on X for sharing his music and for bringing the city together. Fellow Pittsburgh musician Joe Grushecky told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Iris was the most adored Pittsburgh musician of all time.
Donnie Iris died Monday at age 83, after fighting bladder cancer since 2023. He retired from live shows this fall, citing health problems. "Ah! Leah!" remains his best-known solo song and is still closely linked with Pittsburgh.
