Beloved music legend Donnie Iris has died at the age of 83.<\/p>\n
PHOTOS: Donnie Iris through the years<\/a><\/p>\n Long-time concert promoter Rich Engler and several reports confirmed Iris died on Monday.<\/p>\n RELATED COVERAGE >>> Tributes to Donnie Iris pour in after his death<\/a><\/p>\n Iris was the beloved frontman of Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, known to generations of fans as \u201cKing Cool.\u201d <\/p>\n He was born in New Castle on Feb. 28, 1943. He grew up on Tony Bennett and Marvin Gaye. His mother taught him to sing.<\/p>\n Just a few weeks ago, Iris announced he was retiring from performing live,<\/a> citing \u201crecent health issues.\u201d<\/p>\n His final show was held right here in Pittsburgh for the grand opening of Citizens Live at the Wylie on Sept. 28. <\/p>\n Around 1978, Iris joined the band Wild Cherry, famous for the song \u201cPlay That Funky Music.\u201d<\/p>\n He may be best known for his work with the Jaggerz and their hit song \u201cThe Rapper.\u201d Other beloved hits include \u201cAh! Leah!,\u201d \u201cLove Is Like a Rock\u201d and \u201cMy Girl.\u201d<\/p>\n In June 2023, he canceled a Youngstown concert<\/a> with REO Speedwagon after being diagnosed with cancer. He returned to the stage<\/a> in March 2024 following chemotherapy.<\/p>\n He and the Cruisers had been touring together since May 2006.<\/p>\n This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n