For 60 years, The Jaggerz have been a staple of the Western Pennsylvania music scene, blending R&B, soul, rock, and Top 40 favorites into a sound that has endured across generations, and they will take the stage on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival.
Since forming in 1965, the band has recorded four albums and 11 singles, building a legacy that stretches from local clubs in the tri-state area to national chart success with their signature hit, “The Rapper.”
The story of The Jaggerz began when musicians from three different area bands came together to form a new group. Among those involved in the early years was Donnie Iris, the Ellwood City native who would later become one of the region’s most celebrated rock performers. According to lead vocalist and bass guitarist Jimmie Ross, the band has remained rooted in the tri-state area throughout its long history.
The group’s name often sparks curiosity. While many people assume it has something to do with Mick Jagger, Ross says that is not the case. The name comes from a Western Pennsylvania expression. In Beaver County, “jaggers” are the thorny burrs that cling to clothing when walking through the woods. The musicians thought it sounded like a memorable and distinctive name, and it stuck.
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The Band’s Evolution
From their earliest days, The Jaggerz developed a sound heavily influenced by classic R&B. Ross recalls, “Years ago our original inspiration was the Temptations and the Four Tops. That’s what we liked and the kind of music we started with.”
That influence helped shape a catalog that includes both cover songs and original material. Their biggest success came with “The Rapper,” the song that introduced The Jaggerz to audiences nationwide. The song became a major hit and remains the band’s signature recording. Ross recently shared another interesting connection to the song’s legacy: a glimpse of Billboard magazine appearing in the upcoming Michael Jackson film shows “The Rapper” sitting at No. 24 on the Billboard Top 100 chart.
The Jaggerz’ journey to national recognition began after years of relentless performing. According to the band’s official history, the group played clubs seven nights a week, developed a strong following throughout the region, and eventually signed its first recording contract with Gamble Records in Philadelphia. Their debut album, Introducing the Jaggerz, produced regional hits including “Baby I Love You” and “Gotta Find My Way Back Home.” Over the years, the band released four albums while continuing to perform for loyal audiences throughout the region.
The group’s reputation as a live act also led to opportunities to share stages with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Over the years, The Jaggerz have opened for Diana Ross, The Beach Boys, Herman’s Hermits, and The Rolling Stones.
Present Success
Today’s lineup continues the tradition established by the original members. According to the band’s official website, The Jaggerz currently feature:
- Jimmie Ross – Lead Vocals and Bass Guitar
- Hermie Granati – Keyboards and Vocals
- Buddy Schneider – Lead Guitar and Vocals
- Paul Martello – Drums and Vocals
- Chris Patarini – Saxophone
- Ray Falcsik – Bass Guitar
Ross points to one quality above all others when asked what makes the band special.
“Harmonies,” he says. “We have a great harmony. We always have.”
That harmony remains a major reason audiences continue to connect with the group after six decades.
The Jaggerz have become especially popular at community festivals and local celebrations. They are regular performers at the Ellwood City Festival, where they have appeared for the past decade.
“The crowds are always big for us and everyone seems to like the songs we do,” Ross says. “We’ve played the Festival in Ellwood City for the last 10 years, and we are really looking forward to it again this year. The people are so nice there and we always get a big crowd. We’ve made some great friends there over the years.”
Beyond Ellwood City, the band regularly performs at events including the San Rocco Festival, the Ambridge festival, Green Valley Park in Rochester, and Hopewell Park.
Fans attending a Jaggerz performance can expect a full musical experience that celebrates the group’s extensive catalog.
“Everything we do is special,” Ross says. “They should expect to hear everything off of our albums.”
Even after six decades together, the band still has a few dream opportunities in mind. Asked which artists they would most like to open for, Ross quickly names two legendary acts: Chicago and Hall & Oates.
For a band that began in Western Pennsylvania in 1965 and remains active today, longevity is no accident. The Jaggerz have built their reputation through strong musicianship, timeless R&B influences, memorable original songs, and the vocal harmonies that have become their trademark. Whether performing their classic hit “The Rapper” or revisiting deep cuts from their albums, they continue to bring the same energy and enthusiasm that first won over audiences 60 years ago.
And for fans across the tri-state area, The Jaggerz remain not just a band, but a cherished part of the region’s musical heritage.
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