[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DONNIE IRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA A. HART

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

  Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Donnie Iris, an entertainer who hails from my district, 
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
  Donnie Iris, a singer, first learned how to sing from his mother. In 
1970, as a member of the Jaggerz, he earned a gold record for writing 
and singing the song ``The Rapper''. He then formed ``Donnie Iris and 
the Cruisers'' with his friend Mark Avsec. The band had the hit song 
``My Girl'' and began to tour non-stop in 1980.
  In August 2004, the band celebrated their 25th anniversary. This past 
May they released the album ``Ellwood City''. The title track ``Ellwood 
City'' is reminiscent of Iris's childhood growing up in the area. On 
Saturday, June 17, 2006 Armstrong cable is hosting an event honoring 
the musical achievements of Donnie Iris at the Folino Entertainment 
Stage in Ewing Park.
  I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing Donnie Iris and all of his musical and 
entertainment accomplishments. It is an honor to represent the Fourth 
Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

                          ____________________