VIDEO: Official Donnie Iris Day Celebration

“As of February 28, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., every 28th of February shall be known as Donnie Iris Day here in the small town of Ellwood City,” Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court proclaimed as part of the presentation during the Ellwood City Historical Society birthday party event on Thursday recognizing the local rock star.

Donnie Iris is mostly known for his time in the popular 1970s band the “Jaggerz” or his gold record for writing and singing the No. 1 song “The Rapper.” Iris originally learned to sing from his mother and other popular singers like Tony Bennett and Marvin Gaye. He claims that his love for singing started when he was eight years old. Iris, or as he was dubbed by a Toronto reviewer “King Cool”, has since become a legend to older generations in or from the Pittsburgh area.

The cake donated by Kimmel’s Bakery

“Donnie is the most genuinely kind hearted loving person I’ve ever met in my life.” Girlfriend Chelsea Ali said. “I think he’s a blessing to everyone he meets.”

Never forgetting the small town he grew up in, and that later he had named his 2006 album after, mister King Cool himself came back to Ellwood to the Historical Society building to celebrate his birthday with those who love him most.

“I had heard Donnie first perform at a club in New Brighton that was called Speakeasy. He was there with the Jaggerz,” local Linda Kubia said, holding her freshly signed record.

The smaller room in the basement of the building was packed full of adoring fans, King Cool memorabilia, and cakes. Everyone in the room had a story to tell of the legendary rock and roll singer. From the first time they had seen him perform, to old high school or college stories, all while enjoying cookies or a piece of cake, donated by Kimmel’s Bakery.

“I’m overwhelmed with this, Dominic Viccari put this together.” King Cool himself said. “I never expected it to be this nice. It’s wonderful.”