The Jaggerz may be best known for their 1970 smash hit “The Rapper,” but their story goes deeper than one chart-topping single. Born from the vibrant music scene of Pittsburgh in the 1960s, The Jaggerz blended rock, R&B, and blue-eyed soul with a local flair. Though national success proved elusive beyond their biggest hit, the band continued to perform, record, and influence future artists—especially in the hip-hop sampling era.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Band Name | The Jaggerz |
| Founded | 1964 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Original Members | Donnie Iris, Jimmy Ross, Billy Maybray, Benny Faiella, Thom Davies, Jim Pugliano |
| Genres | Rock, R&B, Blue-eyed soul |
| Breakthrough Hit | “The Rapper” (1970) – #2 Billboard Hot 100, Gold Disc |
| Other Charting Songs | “I Call My Baby Candy” (#75), “What a Bummer” (#88) |
| Notable Albums | We Went to Different Schools Together (1970), The Walk (2014) |
| Labels | Gamble Records, Kama Sutra Records, Wooden Nickel Records |
| Years Active | 1964–1977, 1989–present |
| Sampled By | The Game, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa |
| Legacy | Known for “The Rapper”; respected regionally; sampled by hip-hop artists |
Early Formation and Local Success
The group’s origins go back to 1964, when Donnie Iris (born Dominic Ierace, February 28, 1943), a student at Slippery Rock University, formed a band originally known as The Tri-Vels. As the lineup expanded, they were briefly renamed Donnie and the Donnelles. Iris soon met Jimmy Ross, a bassist and singer from a group called Gary and the Jewel Tones, and by mid-1964, the lineup evolved into The Jaggerz.
Alongside Iris and Ross, the founding lineup included:
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Benny Faiella (guitar)
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Billy Maybray (bass/vocals)
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Thom Davies (keyboards)
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Jim Pugliano (drums)
They became a staple on Pittsburgh’s club circuit, building a solid local following through energetic performances and tightly arranged songs.
From Gamble Records to Kama Sutra
By 1968, The Jaggerz landed their first record deal with Gamble Records, the label run by future Philadelphia soul legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. That same year, the band issued their debut album, Introducing the Jaggerz. While the album showcased their potential, it failed to chart nationally.
Shortly afterward, the group changed the spelling of their name to “The Jaggerz” to avoid confusion with another act and signed with Kama Sutra Records—home to acts like The Lovin’ Spoonful and The Critters.
“The Rapper” – A Sudden Breakthrough
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In 1970, The Jaggerz released their second album, We Went to Different Schools Together. The standout track was “The Rapper,” written by Donnie Iris. The single took off quickly, climbing to:
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#2 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Over one million copies sold
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Awarded a gold disc for sales
“The Rapper” featured a catchy, narrative-driven lyric about a smooth-talking ladies’ man, wrapped in pop-rock and R&B stylings. Its distinctive groove and accessible theme resonated with mainstream audiences.
The follow-up single, “I Call My Baby Candy,” charted modestly at #75, and another non-album track, “What a Bummer,” reached #88. These efforts failed to match the runaway success of “The Rapper,” effectively branding The Jaggerz as a one-hit wonder.
Decline and Lineup Changes
As the music industry evolved in the early 1970s, The Jaggerz struggled to maintain momentum. Billy Maybray and Jimmy Ross left the group. Replacements included keyboardists Hermie Granati and Frank Czuri, and the band released a third album, Come Again (1975), under Wooden Nickel Records.
Unfortunately, the album didn’t chart. Neither did its singles. With their commercial prospects dimming, Kama Sutra dropped them from the roster.
In 1977, Donnie Iris exited the group to join the funk-rock band Wild Cherry, known for their hit “Play That Funky Music.” He later launched a successful solo career with hits like “Ah! Leah!” in the early 1980s.
Breakup and Revival
Following Iris’s departure, only Benny Faiella remained from the original lineup. He was joined by:
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Gene Vallecorsa (guitar)
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Robert Vallecorsa (keyboards)
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Sam Ippolito (lead vocals)
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Mark Zeppuhar (saxophone)
Despite the talent in this revamped lineup, the band couldn’t reignite its commercial spark. The Jaggerz quietly disbanded in 1977.
However, in 1989, The Jaggerz reunited—this time without Donnie Iris. They began performing again across Pennsylvania and other regional venues, reconnecting with their loyal fan base. The group released compilation CDs and new material, including The Walk in 2014.
Musical Style and Influence
The Jaggerz mixed rock, blue-eyed soul, and R&B, often compared to groups like The Rascals and Three Dog Night. Their tight harmonies, upbeat rhythms, and accessible lyrics gave them crossover appeal, particularly in their hit “The Rapper.”
Interestingly, The Jaggerz found a second life in hip-hop. Their grooves have been sampled by several notable artists, including:
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The Game
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Curren$y
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Wiz Khalifa
This newfound relevance has introduced The Jaggerz to a new generation of listeners, decades after their chart run ended.
Legacy and Member Losses
The band lost two of its original members:
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Billy Maybray (d. 2004)
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Jim Pugliano (d. 2010)
Despite these losses, The Jaggerz remain active. Their legacy as a hard-working, regionally successful act lives on through performances and digital music rediscoveries.
Though often remembered as a one-hit wonder, The Jaggerz’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and lasting impact on pop culture.