The Jaggerz
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | Dominic Ierace (Donnie Iris), Jimmie Ross, Allen George, Benny Faiella, Kenny Koodrich |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Jaggerz are a rock ensemble originating from Pittsburgh, United States. They achieved widespread acclaim with their hit single "The Rapper", which was issued under the Kama Sutra label. In March 1970, "The Rapper" ascended to No. 1 on the Record World Charts and secured the No. 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100. The track surpassed one million copies sold, earning a gold record from the R.I.A.A..
Their name is derived from a regional Western Pennsylvania expression, "jagger," referring to a small, pointed object. The group was managed by Joe Rock, who also handled management duties for The Skyliners.
Formation and first album (1964–1969)
Dominic Ierace, later recognized as Donnie Iris, formed the Tri-Vels while enrolled at Slippery Rock State College; this group eventually became Donnie and the Donnells. Upon leaving college, Ierace joined Gary and the Jewel Tones alongside Jimmie Ross. Around 1964, this collaboration evolved into the "Jaggers," performing at nightclubs and cultivating a local fan base with members including Iris, Allen George, Benny Faiella, and Kenny Koodrich.
In 1968, the Jaggers secured a contract with Gamble Records, where producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff oversaw their debut album's production in Philadelphia. To distinguish themselves from another group named "The Jaggers," manager Joe Rock recommended altering the final "s" to a "z." The resulting 1969 release, Introducing the Jaggerz, presented a blue-eyed soul style featuring original pieces such as "(That's Why) Baby I Love You," Gamble's composition "Together," and "Gotta Find My Way Back Home" by Melvin & Mervin Steals. This album achieved moderate regional success, particularly within western Pennsylvania.
Follow-up album and breakthrough with "The Rapper" (1970–1973)
By 1970, The Jaggerz had departed from Gamble Records and signed with Neil Bogart's Kama Sutra label, which was relaunched by Buddah Records. Their sophomore album, We Went to Different Schools Together, was released in that year.
Donnie Iris penned "The Rapper", initially launched in Pittsburgh in December 1969 as a local single. It dominated the KQV Top 40 chart for four consecutive weeks in January 1970. Nationally, "The Rapper" climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 21, 1970, maintaining its presence on the chart for thirteen weeks and achieving gold certification from the RIAA. Additional singles from this album included "I Call My Baby Candy" (reaching No. 75) and "What A Bummer" (No. 88). The album itself attained No. 62 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Its R&B number "Memoirs of a Traveler," co-written by Benny Faiella and Donnie Iris, was subsequently sampled by hip hop artists such as Wiz Khalifa and Slum Village.
The Jaggerz continued to release singles through Kama Sutra until their transition in 1973 to Wooden Nickel Records, an RCA subsidiary. That same year, they contributed to DJ Wolfman Jack's novelty album Through The Ages, performing on ten tracks including their hit "The Rapper". Additionally, the band took part in producing and recording projects with artists Bobby Rydell and James Darren.
Third album phase, lineup changes, and dissolution (1974–1977)
Singers Bill Maybray and Jimmie Ross parted ways with the Jaggerz; Ross subsequently joined the Skyliners under the guidance of manager Joe Rock. For the 1975 release Come Again on Wooden Nickel Records, keyboardist and vocalist Frank Czuri along with songwriter and keyboardist Hermie Granati became members. The single "2 + 2 / Don't It Make You Wanna Dance" was also issued but did not achieve chart success. The band was dropped by Wooden Nickel in 1976.
Following this, original members gradually exited, leaving Benny Faiella as the last founding member by late 1977. He was accompanied by Gene and Robert Vallecorsa (handling lead guitar and keyboards), Sam Ippolito (lead vocals), and Mark Zeppuhar on saxophone. Although their performances were mainly confined to nightclubs, Faiella regarded this ensemble as their strongest in over ten years, hopeful for a return to the charts. Nevertheless, the group dissolved around 1977.
Individual endeavors (1978–1988)
Dominic Ierace, guitarist and vocalist, joined Wild Cherry, famed for their 1976 hit "Play That Funky Music." It was here he connected with keyboardist Mark Avsec. Adopting the stage name Donnie Iris, he contributed to Wild Cherry’s third and fourth albums prior to their disbandment in 1979. Following this, Iris embarked on a solo path with Avsec, releasing singles such as "Bring on the Eighties" and "Because of You," which saw modest success. Later, Iris and Avsec established Donnie Iris and the Cruisers alongside Marty Lee Hoenes, Albritton McClain, and Kevin Valentine. Their 1980 debut Back on the Streets contained the hit single "Ah! Leah!". Donnie Iris earned ten Billboard Hot 100 hits and produced ten albums, five of which entered the Billboard top 200. The band continues to perform.
Ross became part of the Skyliners in 1975 after original members left, sharing the stage with Jimmy Beaumont and Janet Vogel. Under Joe Rock’s management, Ross participated in their 1977 Tortoise International Records release “The Skyliners.” After Vogel passed away in 1980, Cathy Cooper joined as vocalist while Ross remained until 1982. Cooper and Ross then formed the duo Cooper and Ross, signing with Sweet City Records/MCA and releasing Bottom Line. They enjoyed long-term engagements at Atlantic City venues including Trump Plaza and Harrah's spanning five years.
Frank Czuri took on lead vocals for CBS-signed group the Silencers, whose track "Shiver and Shake" peaked at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Hermie Granati created the Granati Brothers, who released their 1979 album G-Force via A&M Records and supported Van Halen during 78 shows in the early ‘80s. Drummer James Pugliano toured and recorded alongside prominent musicians such as Leon Russell, Roger Miller, J.J. Cale, Willie Nelson, and Mel Tillis.
Reunion (1989)
In 1989, original members (excluding Iris) came together again for live performances featuring Pugliano, Faiella, Maybray, organist Fred Dulu, saxophonist Robbie Klein, and vocalist Donnie Marsico. Their initial reunion concert marked their 25th anniversary on June 23, 1989, at Beaver County College Golden Dome. Since that time, the band has maintained an active schedule with approximately 20 to 25 shows annually featuring various line-ups.
And the Band Played On (1998)
In 1998, The Jaggerz unveiled their fifth studio album, And the Band Played On..., which critics praised as "soulful and sincere music." The ensemble featured Ross, Faiella, Pugliano, Dennis McAbee, and Jamie Peck. Granati rejoined the group to co-produce alongside Ross while also providing keyboards, vocals, and orchestral arrangements.
Re-Rapped by Request (2001)
Released in 2001, the band's sixth album, Re-Rapped by Request, compiles fan-favorite tracks including "Dancin' in the Streets," "Some Kind of Wonderful," and a live rendition of "The Rapper" recorded at the A.J. Palumbo Center.
"Memoirs of the Traveler"
The tune "Memoirs of the Traveler" from We Went to Different Schools Together has been widely sampled by hip hop artists. A notable example is The Game's 2008 song "Letter to the King" from his album LAX. Other musicians who have incorporated this sample include Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa in "Rollin' Up" (2009), Slum Village with "1, 2" (2005), Dilated Peoples during the 1990s, and Denmark's Pede B.
Lineup changes
William R. Maybray, original lead singer and bassist born May 14, 1944, passed away on December 5, 2004, at age 60. He was the writer and vocalist of the band's debut single "That's Why Baby I Love You." James Pugliano, the founding drummer born December 4, 1946, died June 15, 2010, aged 63.
Founding members Ross and Faiella continue to perform with The Jaggerz. The current roster includes vocalist/keyboardist Granati, guitarist McAbee, saxophonist Chris Patarini, and drummer Paul Martello.
The Walk (2014)
In 2014, The Jaggerz returned to their blue-eyed soul origins with the release of The Walk. Fronted by vocalist Jimmie Ross, the group showcased five-part harmonies across eight classic R&B covers alongside two refreshed selections from their 1969 debut Introducing the Jaggerz: the Gamble & Huff composition Together and their original piece That's Why Baby I Love You. Ross’ vocal performance and harmonies are especially prominent on ballads such as Love Won't Let Me Wait, The Whole Town's Laughing at Me, and That's Why Baby I Love You. Donna Groom of the Skyliners appeared as a guest vocalist in a duet with Ross on the medley It's Gonna Take a Miracle/ I'm On The Outside. The album was engineered by five-time Grammy-winning producer Jay Dudt of Audile Images and co-produced by Hermie Granati and Ross.
Current
- Jimmie Ross – lead vocals, bass guitar (1965–1976; 1989–present)
- Benny Faiella – guitar (1965–1977; 1989–present)
- Hermie Granati – keyboards, vocals, arrangements (1975–1976, 1998–2003, present)
- Buddy Schneider – guitar
- Paul Martello – drums, percussion, vocals
- Chris Patarini – saxophone, trumpet, percussion, vocals
Former
- Dominic Ierace – guitar, lead vocals (1965–1976)
- Bill Maybray – bass guitar, vocals (1965–1973; died 2004)
- Thom Davies – piano (1965–1973)
- Kenny Koodrich – drums (1965)
- Jim Pugliano – drums (1965–1976; 1989–1998; died 2010)
- Frank Czuri – keyboards (1973–1976)
- Sam Ippolito – lead vocals (1976–1977)
- Gene Vallecorsa – guitar (1976–1977)
- Robert Vallecorsa – keyboards (1976–1977)
- Mark Zeppuhar – saxophone (1976-1977)
- Ron Levi – trumpet
- Rich Mansfield – saxophone
- Mike Caporizzo – saxophone
Albums
- 1969 - Introducing the Jaggerz (Gamble GS-5006)
- 1970 - We Went to Different Schools Together (Kama Sutra KSBS-2017) US Chart Peak: 62
- 1975 - Come Again (Wooden Nickel BWL1-0772)
- 1998 - And the Band Played On...
- 2001 - Re-Rapped by Request
- 2014 - The Walk
Singles
- 1966 - "Feel So Good" / "Cry" (Executive) (credited as "The Jaggers")
- 1968 - "(That’s Why) Baby I Love You" / "Bring It Back" (Gamble G-218)
- 1969 - "Gotta Find My Way Back Home" / "Forever Together, Together Forever" (Gamble G226)
- 1969 - "Together" / "Let Me Be Your Man" (Gamble G238)
- 1970 - "Higher And Higher" / "Ain't No Sun (Since You've Been Gone)" (Gamble G4008)
- 1970 - "The Rapper" / "Born Poor" (Kama Sutra KA502) US Chart Peak: 2, Canada: 3, Australia: 32
- 1970 - "I Call My Baby Candy" / "Will She Believe Me?" (Kama Sutra KA509) US Chart Peak: 75, Canada: 47
- 1970 - "What a Bummer" / "Memories Of The Traveler" (Kama Sutra KA513) US Chart Peak: 88
- 1971 - "Need Your Love" / "Here's a Heart" (Gamble G4012)
- 1971 - "Let's Talk About Love" / "I'll Never Forget You" (Kama Sutra KA517)
- 1971 - "Wise Up!-Why Dope?" (The Pennsylvania Jaycees JZ550)
- 1973 - "Ain't That Sad" / "Let's Talk About Love" (Kama Sutra KA583)
- 1974 - "The Streaker" / "The Streaker (Part 2)" (Jaggerz JZ101)
- 1974 - "I Can't Make It Without You" / "A Certain Girl" (Jaggerz JZ102)
- 1975 - "2 + 2" / "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance" (Wooden Nickel WB-10194)
- 2014 - "The Walk" (JRD Records)