Iris explained: "It sounds kind of passionate, when you talk about not being able to be with a chick, and every time you see this girl, you just go nuts, but it ain't right, you know, something's wrong with it. Iris will be in the spotlight again early next year when his new album, now being completed at Beechwood Studios in Cleveland, is released. As a kid, everybody wanted to be a baseball player or a football player, but when I knew I was way too small for any of that stuff I decided early on, OK, well, Ill just go to college and maybe be a teacher or something like that, he says. Among them were Lola Falana and Linda Evans. That would be stupid." Donnie: Probably. While working at Jeree, the band Wild Cherry (a hot commodity because of their 1976 hit "Play That Funky Music," which had been recorded there), was booked for a recording session. Avsec announced in a March 2012 interview that the band had begun working on their twelfth studio album, due out in 2013 to commemorate Iris's seventieth birthday. Time to Nominate Your Favorites, He Fell in Love With This Mexican War Streets Home While Grabbing a Coffee, This Craftsman-Style Cutie in Regent Square Got a Modern Makeover, The First Round Is Just the Starting Point for the Steelers, Franco Harris Statue Takes Off to New Location at Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburghs St. Patricks Day Parade Returns Bigger than Ever, Cocktails & Dreams: 9 Boozy Bars That Opened During the Pandemic, How This Duo is Turning Old Buildings in Pittsburgh Into New Foodie Experiences, Our Pittsburgher of the Year: Rich Fitzgerald. Donnie Iris is an American rock musician best known for his 80s hits "Ah, Leah!" and "Love is Like a Rock", both inspired by contemporary new wave and power pop music. Rock musician known for his hit single Ah! Donnie Iris's Life Path Number is 2 as per numerology. He just has so much energy." The Vindys are wonderful. Donnie Iris, front and center, and The Cruisers pose for a photo early in their careers. Iris: "I doubt it. Donnie Iriss age is 79. Born in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Mark: And everything about the Jaggerz also is in the documentary. When I met you, you had these little John Lennon wire rim glasses. It's not just because he gave us two of the region's most beloved and . He has a cult of adoring fans and regularly wows audiences cross-country with his high-energy concerts. "All of us in the band have been itching to . A catchy, reggae-soul-flavored tune, it told the story of a smooth operator who cruised bars and preyed on unsuspecting females. Donnie: Probably not until I got out of college. Tickets to the show are available on . when were redskin lollies first made. Donnie Iris is ready to get back to performing after sitting idle for 16 months. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We will continue to update information on Donnie Iriss parents. Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, United States, Midwest National Records (1979-1980), MCA Records (1980-1984), HME Records (1984-1985), Seathru Records (1992-1997), Primary Records (1997-present), Midwest National Records (197980), MCA Records (198084), HME Records (198485), Seathru Records (199297), Primary Records (1997present), The Fabutons, The Tri-Vels/Donnie and the Donnells, The Jaggerz, B. E. Taylor, Wild Cherry, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, Cellarful of Noise, Nina Sainato. Mark: Can you tell the difference between the Stratocaster and the Telecaster? We connect brands with social media talent to create quality sponsored content. (Donnie uses Iris only as a stage name.) J ] The popularity of rock and roll inspired Ierace to become a self-taught guitarist. Donnie Iris was born on February 28, 1943 (age 80) in Elwood City, Pennsylvania, United States. The early 1940s were dominated by World War II. But a second single from the album flopped and the Jaggerz never had another big hit, though they continued to play in clubs until 1974. See all photos (1) Posters (1) See all posters (1) Past concerts. The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. We thought that it was a passionate kind of tune." By the end of the decade, as far as his music/public life went, he went by the name of Donnie Iris. Later, she softened her stance. Drummer Kevin Valentine and bassist Albritton McClain left to join a new group, the Innocent, whose members included future Nine Inch Nails main man Trent Reznor. These hippie kids protested against the Vietnam War and participated in the civil rights movement. hickory perma-lift brassieres. With his first wife, Vincent has twin daughters, named - Jessica Ann and Elizabeth Theresa. Mark: Who sang? Donnie: Im pretty sure it was a TV thing. Read also: Donny Hathaway Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Wiki, Family. Donnie: George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943. There may have wrong or outdated info, if you find so, please let us know by leaving a comment below. [Much laughter] Elvis and Buddy Holly and all of those peopleYou know what, Spark, I started listening to Ray Charles albums in college, and then I met a guy named Jim Evans who played guitar, and we played guitar and we put a band together. Mark: Hey, Donnie We need a bio for the web site. Particularly one like Donnie Iris. What does he consider the best, most successful, time of his career? In this table, we added the education information of Donnie Iris. City. "Never," he says, shaking his head and smiling. After 20 years in the music business, he's still not quite sure what makes one record a hit and another a dud. Donnie: I dont know. The next birthday of Donnie Iris is on 28 February, 2023. Donnie: By about three or four days I am older than George Benson. : With Donnie Iris. Donnie: Oh yeah, you had 1942 looked up. In his category, Iris went up against Joe Grushecky, Billy Price and Rusted Root. Iris remembers his family his father and mother also were raised in Ellwood City and he has a sister, Caren always had a dog and frequently visited Cascade Park in New Castle and Idora Park in Youngstown. Donnie: My nephew is playing? Dominic Ierace was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Happy 80 to Donnie Iris! All have made the charts, although none has achieved the success of "Leah" or "My Girl.". Mark: When did you think your voice was cool again? Label : Rock Candy. Donnie Iris's Life Path Number is 2 as per numerology. "The sound Iris puts out compares with anything that's out now," says Chris Shovlin, general manager at WBVP-WWKS in Beaver Falls. Donnie: The Skyliners during the late 50s, when Joe Rock was with the group as songwriter and manager. ", and in a Playboy magazine poll of disc jockeys, "Leah" was named the second best single of 1981. Donnie Iris was back in the top 30. Mark: How appropriate. Pittsburgh Curiosities: The Secret Doughboy, Why 1898 Was A Big Year for America, Andrew Carnegie and Pittsburgh, Party Like It's 1898: The Pittsburgh Zoo and Kennywood Celebrate 125-Year Birthdays, Maestra: Meet Four Pittsburgh Conductors Who Seek Gender Equity, Pittsburgh Pizza Debate: The Aiellos Vs. Mineos Rivalry Expands to the Suburbs, Who's The Best of the 'Burgh in 2023? Some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Donnie Iris. It is a Platform where Influencers can meet up, Collaborate, Get Collaboration opportunities from Brands, and discuss common interests. Despite Fortune 410 charting higher than The High and the Mighty, MCA was displeased that both albums didn't chart as high as Back on the Streets and King Cool had. Leah!" T o listen to Donnie Iris tell it, growing up in Ellwood City in the 1950s were indeed happy days. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said in a written parliamentary answer on Thursday (2 March) that the couple had initially . Donnie: Thats what it was. Because I looked up all kinds of people that were born in 1942. Donnie Iris remembers watching TV, witnessing Chuck Berry still performing at 60 years old on stage. The band keeps going because they love it so far, he said. The song has a certain yearning to it. The same attitude has sustained him through a career that has taken him through the heights and depths of the music business. Iris: "I doubt it. We added the information below. Arts & Culture: Summer Camps 2023 The physical condition of Donnie Iris is good. I hope they [the fans] enjoy it because I think it will be great. "The Rapper" was a big thrill, but so was the first album we made here (at Jeree Studios, New Brighton).". We have no records of past relationships for Donnie Iris. [27] This was followed by "Pittsburgh Made," released on Spotify and for free download in October 2016. Quotes "All I do is I play, I write, I record, I take care of my dogs. Help keep Donnie Iris profile up to date. Iris, along with his band The Cruisers, will headline an 80th birthday bash concert at the UPMC Events Center in Moon Township on March 11. It was a mill town. Haffey: "Probably until he's 62. JoAnne Klimovich Harrop, The Tribune-Review, Greensburg. I'm a huge Donnie Iris fan. Donnie Iris (born Dominic Ierace, February 28, 1943)[1][2][3] 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. Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen and his wife Cissy Yen arrive to the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards 2009 at the Hong Kong's Cultural Centre on April 19, 2009. His other hits include "Sweet Merilee," "My Girl," "That's the Way Love Ought to Be," "Tough World," "This Time It Must Be Love," "Do You Compute?" and "Injured in the Game of Love.". "What it all comes down to is ratings." Mark: Hey, if you would have been born on February 29th, one day later, then youd be a leap year baby. . The 79-year-old Iris belted out lyrics while his bandmates kept up the energy with powerful guitars and percussion complemented by keyboards. Then youd actually only be 15 or 16 years old today because you would have had only 15 or 16 birthdays. Leah!" NATURAL WRAPPER. I remember thinking I cant imagine myself being on stage at 60, he said. Top cast. Now here it is, my 80th birthday, we are still performing. But as radio station playlists become more and more rigid, it becomes harder for someone like Iris to break through. [12], Shortly after being let go from MCA, the band signed with the small HME Records label. Big-city life isn't conducive to family life, he says. I like the simple life. It failed to have any impact on the charts, however. His genres are Rock,pop rock,power pop,hard rock. In fact, my favorite picture of you is the one when you were in the car with the ring on your finger; Marty and I included that photo on the disc itself. The only thing you can do is go out and support the record," Iris said. Following the end of the war, it was the start of the Baby Boomer years and technology advancements such as the jet engine, nuclear fusion, radar, rocket technology and others later became the starting points for Space Exploration and Improved Air Travel. Because that was the breakthrough as I see it: when the bra not only lifted, but separated too. Polka Time (Ooga, Ooga, Low & Less Corona Virus, More Donnie Iris) 13. Donnie: Bobby DeNiro was born on the same day as I was. Its really good I think. . Mark: If you could name five musical influences in your life, and a group can count as one influence, what or who would those influences be, in no particular order? "The time he spends with us is always good time," Mrs. Ierace said. [14] Also around this time, the HME label that the band had signed with to record No MussNo Fuss went out of business, leaving Donnie Iris and the Cruisers an unsigned act. Login to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. If it was warmer, I might go out on the back porch. Whos the richest Rock Singer in the world. Theyre just a great, great bunch of people. Mark: There probably wasnt much on TV at that time. Posted 2023-03-01. Opinions differ. Mark: Do you remember the song that you were singing? The Jaggerz won a contract with the Kama Sutra label and released an album, "We Went To Different Schools Together." The birthday celebration will feature performances from The Clarks and The Vindys. ", a hard rocker with 60 tracks of Iris' voice layered together. (Donnie uses Iris only as a stage name.) ", In the early 1990s, Iris set up a mortgage company, SIMCorp, with partners Lynn Shelley and Priscilla Micinko, as a side business from the band. It is probably the biggest event I have been involved in within this area.. His mother had an old upright piano in their basement and taught him how to sing. Donnie: [Laughs] This band in both incarnations played R&B and pop rock covers at fraternity parties and lasted from about 1961 to 1964. Donnie Iris is a Pisces and his 80th birthday is in, The 79-year-old American was born in the Baby Boomers Generation and the Year of the Goat. That was the beginning of Donnie Iris for me. Just prior to the release of No MussNo Fuss, the band began to split into different directions. He said he met the Vindys, based out of Youngstown, two years ago in Akron when they opened for his band. Lets start from the beginning. Each album contains one or more live bonus tracks taken from the 1981 Live at the Paradise, Boston promotional EP. Iris said there are more shows slated throughout this year going into early 2024, including performing with REO Speedwagon on June 21 in Youngstown and on July 24 with Foreigner at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. You can get a very filling lunch entree for $7!!! A few flurries or snow showers possible. Leah! Leah!.". In 1998, the band released their first live album. He grew up in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. "What it all comes down to is ratings.". Melody [Donnies significant other, shouts from the other side of the room]: I would never even ask that. Donnie Iris is an American rock musician best known for his 80s hits "Ah, Leah!" and "Love is Like a Rock", both inspired by contemporary new wave and power pop music. He and his band members usually can't even agree on which cut from an album to release as a single. [Pause] Taylor Group. Parallel Time - The Unofficial Donnie Iris Site. On the album cover, he portrays a mechanic working on a car at Taylor's Pennzoil on Ross Hill, Patterson. "Then I learned to put the chords all together.". While formal training didn't interest him, the guitar fascinated him enough that he started playing again when studies at Slippery Rock University turned out not to be his cup of tea. High 42F. Donnie Iris was born on the 28th of February, 1943. When is Donnie Iriss birthday? Donnie Iris was born on the 28th of February, 1943. "It was a great place to grow up," says Iris, born Dominic Ierace. Mark: And youre February 28, 1943? Between 1975 and 1976, most of the Jaggerz' longtime members left the group, including Ierace in 1976. I just want him more for us." The song caught on with disc jockeys nationally and hit number 28 on the Billboard charts. "If you sit up close, you can actually see his fists clenching and the muscles in his arms bulging," says Susan Haffey, a vice-president of Iris' management firm, Mike Belkin of Cleveland. I'm succeeding at a slow pace. Donnie Iriss birth sign is Pisces and he has a ruling planet of Neptune. Perhaps most importantly, it was the first album Ierace recorded on. Do you want to know whether Donnie Iris is married or unmarried? who was the woman in the video for Donnie Iris' "Ah! Leah! Donnie Iris and the Cruisers returned to the studio in 1992 to release their first album containing new material since 1985. For all available tickets and to find shows in your city, scroll to the listings at the top of this page. Want to know Donnie Iris's Height Weight in Feet-Inch or Meter-Centimeter? [28] On the April 2, 2015 episode of Jim Krenn's No Restrictions podcast, Iris mentioned that he and the band hoped to have the often-delayed album out by the end of 2015. At the time the two were just hoping to get a record deal, Iris said. [fetch instagram= display=posts show=2 ]. Becoming good friends, Iris and Avsec decided to form a project together after Wild Cherry's breakup and the two began writing songs. History Early lineups (1970-1974) Rob Parissi (lead vocals and guitar) was raised in the steel-mill town of Mingo Junction, Ohio.He graduated from Mingo High School in 1968 and formed the band Wild Cherry in 1970 in Steubenville, Ohio. Donnie: While I was in college. He also achieved fame as a solo artist in the early 1980s with the #29 hit "Ah! Leah!"? Donnie: We needed a bass player so we got another guy named Dave Rieser. This amateur hour was on TV at that time. Mark: Three or four days depending whether its a leap year. Donnie Iris was stunned. While in Wild Cherry, he met keyboardist Mark Avsec; the two began collaborating on songs and made a demonstration tape which evolved into an album. In 1987 a large group of stars gathered for a photo in front of the Paramount Pictures front gate . Donnie: It was giving me bleeding fingers so I stopped playing. Thats heavy. He suffered through three piano lessons and one guitar lesson before loosing interest - even now, he doesn't read music. Donnie Iris is a member of the following lists: American rock singers, MCA Records artists and 1943 births.. Mark: Who wrote it? JUMP TO: Donnie Iriss biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos, net worth, and popularity. Iris was enshrined with a plaque at Pittsburgh's Hard Rock Cafe on April 23, 2015 and he performed a set with an all-star Pittsburgh band. Leah!" In 2004, the band celebrated its 25th anniversary with a new compilation album featuring their rarer material, 25 Years, and performed live at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 4,000 people. The 79-year-old rock singer was born in Elwood City. Theyre a great group. So that's all we have about Donnie Iris's net worth, bio, wiki, biography, height, weight, awards, facts, siblings, awards, and other information. Mark: Now, are you going to smoke a cigar tonight? See all upcoming 2023-24 tour dates, support acts, reviews and venue info. Original Release Date : 2021. "I enjoy small-town life. I doubt it." Mar 11. Live streams; Wichita concerts. Tommy VercettiBrif a MisuberManilaHQ Version. "Same thing with Glenn Frey. Donnie: I do, too. The 79-year-old American rock singer has done well thus far. It is going to be a great show. The follow-up album, "King Cool," with his band, The Cruisers, also yielded a Top-30 single, "My Girl," and "Love Is Like A Rock," which nearly broke the Top 30. Donnie Iris was born in 1940s. The band's 2006 album, Ellwood City, was a tribute to Iris's hometown, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Steelers glasses are lined up on a ledge. We all know that is it almost impossible to say someone's total asset, and how much he or she earns every month. Articles Photos Advanced Search. He practiced by singing along with his mother's favorite singers, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Donnie: Pretty much. Both of the aforementioned albums ended up being more critically acclaimed than The High and the Mighty.[10]. 1 hit from 1976. Like many famous people and celebrities, Donnie Iris keeps his personal life private. ". My voice started changing. When his voice changed around age 12, he gave up singing and took up the drums. Donnie: Hey, the Beatles are on TV as we speak. "Then I learned to put the chords all together." Mark: Really? In February 2018, "Donnie Iris and the Cruisers" celebrated Iris' 75th birthday by playing three sold-out shows in The Palace. The strengths of this sign are being compassionate, artistic, gentle, wise, while weaknesses can be to be fearful, overly trusting and desire to escape reality. My dad worked in the steel mill just like basically everybody else did. First one, then the other. Hey, George Benson was born March 2, 1943. It started at the Ierace home in Ellwood City, where in his childhood Donnie would sit on the piano bench and sing while his mother, Carrie, played the piano. "It's not that I want him out of it. Eventually, Ierace and the Jaggerz began to write their own material and secured a contract with Gamble Records. In the kitchen, photos of Patterson native Greg Best, a former Pittsburgh Steeler and Cleveland Brown and a friend of Iris', are attached to the refrigerator. Too chilly. The New Rolling Stone Guide to Records calls Iris' music "strictly low-grade stuff," adding, "Equiped with one of the more versatile voices in rock, Iris can pull off just about any style he wants but his material is only marginally interesting. It is wonderful. "Back On The Streets" was released on a local label and eventually picked up by MCA. ("You're making him into a sissy," his father, Sam Ierace, would insist.). So let's get started Do you wanna know Donnie Iris's full Biodata? Linda Ierace now remembers the time when "Ah! Donnie: I have a book. [Louder] Mark Avsec says hello. Quite a different image than that projected offstage by the quiet thin man with horn-rimmed glasses. Mrs. Ierace: "I'd rather he'd be out of it right now.". He has produced two more Top-30 singles and a string of records that made Billboard's Hot 100 charts. Donnie: The Jaggerz. struck gold as the most exciting time of her husband's career "just because it was so unexpected. In addition, the band launched a national tour to promote the album and its follow-up during the summer of 1981.[10]. He was born on February 28, 1943 and his birthplace is Elwood City, PA. Donnie is also best known as, Rock musician known for his hit single Ah!