One-Hit Wonder: The Jaggerz

The term rapper had a different meaning in the 1960s, and it was a hit for a group, according to songfacts.com with an interview with a member of that group.

The Jaggerz's vocalist and guitarist Donnie Iris wrote "The Rapper" while doing a set in a nightclub. Iris says the song was written as he people watched, guys "rapping" or talking with the girls.

The group talked to about 10 record labels before "The Rapper" was released in late 1969. It hit the charts and topped it in 1970. The Jaggerz then started to tour.

Iris left The Jaggerz and joined another group, Wild Cherry, with Mark Avsec. They had some success. He is now in Donnie Iris and the Cruisers.

Donnie Iris is from the Pittsburgh area. He started singing at age 8 and even won an amateur hour; he quit for a while and took it back up in college. Iris also played the drums. His dad bought him a guitar while he was a junior in high school.

A few members of The Jaggerz, including Jimmy Ross, still tour in their area.