Donnie Iris, ‘Ah! Leah!’ Singer, Dies at 83
The singer’s career included hits with The Jaggerz and Donnie Iris & The Cruisers.
Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh singer known for “Ah! Leah!,” has died at 83, according to a former bandmate, CBS Pittsburgh reported. Iris, who called Ellwood City his hometown, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023.
His final concert took place September 28 at Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh. On October 9, Iris announced his retirement from future performances in a letter to fans, citing health issues. “After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances,” he wrote.
Iris first came to prominence with The Jaggerz, writing and singing “The Rapper.” He joined Wild Cherry in 1978, where he met keyboardist Mark Avsec. The two later formed Donnie Iris & The Cruisers, whose album Back On The Streets featured “Ah! Leah!” The band followed with King Cool, which included “Love Is Like a Rock,” “That’s the Way Love Ought to Be” and “My Girl.”
Donnie Iris & The Cruisers toured with acts including Journey, Loverboy, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and Hall & Oates. Friends and Pittsburgh figures shared tributes after his death, remembering both his music and his connection to the city
