Donnie Iris

Donnie Iris (born Dominic Ierace, 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 career beginning in the 1980s with his band, the Cruisers. He wrote the No. 2 Billboard hit, "The Rapper", with the Jaggerz in 1970 and was a member of Wild Cherry. He also achieved fame as a solo artist in the early 1980s with the No. 29 hit "Ah! Leah!" and the No. 37 hit "Love Is Like a Rock." In addition to performing on the first three Jaggerz albums and the fourth and final Wild Cherry album, Iris with his solo band has released eleven studio albums, one EP, two live albums and two compilations. He continues to intermittently release new material and tour throughout the Youngstown, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio and greater Pittsburgh areas.

Biography

Early life and early career (1943–63) Dominic Ierace was born to Samuel and Carrie Ierace in New Castle, Pennsylvania which is northwest of Pittsburgh. He grew up in Ellwood City a short distance to the southeast from New Castle. Dominic learned to sing at an early age from his mother who had sung in Curly Venezie's orchestra. He practiced by singing along with his...