The Jaggerz

The Jaggerz are a pop/rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, often considered a one-hit wonder because their only major success was the single "The Rapper", written by Donnie Iris (who was then billed by his birth name, Dominic Ierace). Released on the Kama Sutra label in 1970, "The Rapper" eventually sold five million copies.Fact|date=July 2007

The band's name derives from the Pittsburgh English slang term, jagger bush, meaning a thorny bush.

They were best regarded as a vocal R&B powerhouse. They had two hour long Vegas style shows that included choreographed dance moves and microphone tosses. Donnie Iris said the success of 'The Rapper' was a double edged sword since the style of the song was not what got them their notariety. Their first album, Introducing The Jaggerz, off the Gamble & Huff label from Philadelphia, PA best exemplifies what The Jaggerz were about.

Line up

*Jimmie Ross - Bassist, Brass and Vocals

*Dominic Ierace - Guitar and Vocals

*Bill Maybray - Bass and Vocals

*Thom Davies - Piano

*Jim Pugliano - Drums

*Benny Faiella - Guitar

*Larry Lorey - Drums

The Jaggerz were managed by The Skyliners manager, Joe Rock.

Breakup

When they broke up, Jimmy Ross went on to join the Skyliners, while Iris joined Wild Cherry and went on to a solo career.

The original members regrouped in 1989, released 2 CDs,and, as of mid 2006, two of the original members are still playing twenty to twenty five gigs annually. Original lead vocals and bass player Bill Maybray died in 2004. He wrote and sang the group's debut single, That's Why Baby I Love You.

In 2008, rap artist The Game released a track "Letter to the King" from his album "LAX" which he samples "Memoirs of the Traveler" from "We Went to Different Schools Together".

Discography

Albums

* "Introducing the Jaggerz" (Gamble GS-5006) 1969
* "We Went to Different Schools Together" (Kama Sutra KSBS-2017) 1970
* "Come Again" (Wooden Nickel BWL1-0772) 1975

ingles

* "(That’s Why) Baby I Love You" / "Bring It Back" (Gamble G-218) 1968
* "Gotta Find My Way Back Home" / "Forever Together, Together Forever" (Gamble 226) 1968
* "Together" / "Let Me Be The One" (Gamble 238) 1969
* "Higher And Higher" / "Ain't No Sun" (Gamble 4008) 1970
* "Need Your Love" / "Here's A Heart" (Gamble 4012) 1970
* "The Rapper" / "Born Poor" (Kama Sutra 502) 1970
* "I Call My Baby Candy" / "Will She Believe Me?" (Kama Sutra 509) 1970
* "What A Bummer" / "Memories Of The Traveler" (Kama Sutra 513) 1970
* "Let's Talk About Love" / "I'll Never Forget You" (Kama Sutra 517) 1971
* "Let's Talk About Love" / "Ain't That Sad" (Kama Sutra 583) 1973
* "2 + 2" / "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance" (Wooden Nickel PB/WB-10194) 1975

External links

* [http://www.jaggerz.com/ Official Jaggerz site]
* [http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/DennisKQV/jaggerz.htm Another fan site]
* [http://squirl.info/asset/show/264?c=Music&cid=2&i=0 Photo of "The Rapper" ]