Personal Profile About Donnie Iris
Dominic Ierace, known as Donnie Iris and nicknamed King Cool, was an American rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He wrote and sang “The Rapper” with the Jaggerz. The song reached No. 2 in 1970. He later played with Wild Cherry. Iris led the band Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. His solo hits include “Ah! Leah!”, “Love Is Like a Rock,” and “My Girl.”
The Donnie Iris biography shows that his parents were Samuel and Carrie Ierace. Iris attended Slippery Rock State College. He formed the Jaggerz around 1964 and left the group in 1976. He released his debut solo album, Back on the Streets, in 1980.
Donnie Iris Died
Donnie Iris died on 26 October 2026 at age 83. Drummer Joe Vitale Jr. and concert promoter Rich Engler confirmed his death. Iris announced his retirement from live performance on 9 October 2026. He cited recent health issues as the reason. His final show took place at Citizens Live at the Wylie in Pittsburgh on 28 September 2026.
Donnie Iris Cause of Death
Donnie Iris cause of death is bladder cancer. Doctors diagnosed the cancer shortly after his 80th birthday show at the UPMC Events Center in March 2023. Iris underwent surgery in 2023. He canceled several shows to recover. His prognosis was good after the surgery. He returned to the stage after treatment. The disease continued over three years.
Donnie Iris Net Worth
Donnie Iris net worth is estimated at $3 million. However, this figure is unconfirmed. Iris earned income from songwriting royalties, record sales, and concert tours across a six-decade career. A gold record in 1970 contributed to his early earnings. He owned the mortgage company SIMCorp for nearly 20 years. He also launched a beer brand called King Cool Light in 2009.
Donnie Iris Age
Donnie Iris age was 83 years at the time of his death. He was born on 28 February 1943, in New Castle. He grew up in Ellwood City. He began singing at weddings at age five. He switched to drums after his voice changed at 12. He returned to singing around 1961. On his 75th birthday in 2018, Pittsburgh declared 28 February Donnie Iris Day.
Donnie Iris Wife
Donnie Iris wife was Linda Ierace, whose maiden name was Grimm. She came from Patterson Township, Pennsylvania. The couple had been married for 17 years in 1985. They raised two daughters, Erin and Addie. The family lived in a home in Patterson Township, near Beaver Falls. Linda worked outside the home in the early 1980s.