PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A legend not only for his singing career, but how he handled success and what he did with the attention, Ellwood City native Donnie Iris died on Monday from cancer.
The 83-year-old nicknamed King Cool announced his retirement following his final show September 28, where he was the inaugural main act at Pittsburgh’s newest concert venue Citizens Live at the Wylie. During the show he announced that morning he had chemotherapy treatment for bladder cancer.
“While I will no longer be performing live, the memories, the music, and the connections we have built together will always remain close to my heart,” Iris said in a statement announcing his retirement. “Thank you for your loyalty, your energy, and your love through all the years. It has been my great honor to make music for you.”
Iris is one of the most well-known rock stars to come out of Pittsburgh with hits like “Ah! Leah”, “Love is Like a Rock”, “Agnes”, and more.
Iris also had success as a member of The Jaggerz and “The Rapper” and was briefly a member of the band “Wild Cherry”.
“Donnie Iris represented everything that was good about being a Pittsburgher. He was a special man - talented, kind, welcoming & down to Earth. He will forever be a part of Pittsburgh. Miss you already, King and thank you!” said former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.
Iris recently announced his retirement after decades of entertaining audiences
Iris recently announced his retirement after decades of entertaining audiences
