PITTSBURGH —
Donnie Iris, a western Pennsylvania music legend affectionately known as “King Cool,” is being remembered for his immense talent, humility, and kindness. Iris died Monday at age 83.
Those who worked with him and called him a friend say the man on stage was the same as the man off stage.
“He was a wonderful man and a wonderful representative of Pittsburgh music. So he’s done us all proud,” musician Shari Richards said.
Iris played his final concert a month ago at the Wylie in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood. Folks who attended that performance recall how, even while seated, Iris delivered the high-energy show he was known for.
Rich Engler, a longtime concert promoter who began working with Iris in 1966, praised his vocal abilities and passion.
“The volume he and the high notes that he could hit, and everything with such passion like ‘Ah! Leah!’ And all the high notes. I can’t even possibly do it. And he knocked audiences out, even down to the last,” Engler said.
Fellow musicians say few Pittsburgh artists have left behind a legacy like his.
“Before I became a professional, which was 1983, Donnie was already well known, and I looked up to him, and I aspired to be like him. And the Jaggerz were just — we were proud to be from Pittsburgh, you know, home of the Jaggerz,” Richards said.
Engler, who produced numerous shows with Iris over the years, shared a memorable moment from their time working together.
“I probably produced at least 20 or 30 shows with them over the years, and probably one of the most famous. I pulled out a poster of Donnie Iris and the Cruisers and special guest Bon Jovi. I mean, wow,” Engler said.
Friends say Iris embodied his music and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
“We’re going to miss him personally, forever. But his songs will live on forever,” Engler said.
Even those who grew up listening to Iris’ hits were shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. They’ve been playing his biggest hits to honor him.
“It’s a weird feeling. I mean, local legend, you know, Donnie Iris, I’m just going to be listening to “Ah! Leah!” the entire way home as a tribute,” said Michael Caponi, who lives on the South Side.