Donnie met Mark Avsec, his future collaborator and co-writer in “Wild Cherry” and the two of them began discussing plans for a recording project. In or around 1978, Donnie was asked to join “Wild Cherry” (“Play That Funky Music) in the group’s waning days. In 1970, as a member of the Jaggerz, Donnie earned a gold record for writing and singing the No. at .ĭonnie learned how to sing from his Mother and then from Tony Bennett and Marvin Gaye.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 23 at 10 a.m. He will also throw out the first pitch at PNC Park before the Pirates game on Friday, September 23 in a city celebration.ĭonnie’s 80th Birthday Bash is being held at UPMC Events Center at Robert Morris University in Beaver County where Iris was born. Iris, whose birthday is February 28, sang the National Anthem before the Pittsburgh Steelers game this past Sunday, September 18. Today, Donnie Iris announced his 80th Birthday Bash will be on Saturday, Maat the UPMC Events Center with special guests the Vindy’s and more guests to be announced. Pittsburgh-area rocker Donnie Iris is turning 80 and celebrating in style. TICKETS GO ON SALE ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 10 A.M.

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