James "Pugs" Pugliano, who was behind the drums for one of Pittsburgh's biggest hit songs, died Tuesday in his Harmony home at age 63 of unknown causes. Results of an autopsy are pending.

Mr. Pugliano, an Ambridge High School graduate, was the drummer for the Beaver Falls-based band The Jaggerz on the group's breakout hit, "The Rapper," which went to No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1970.

"We both joined the band together," said singer-bassist Jimmie Ross, after they were invited to audition by group leader Donnie Iris and guitarist Benny Faiella.

"He was a great musician," Mr. Ross said, "very passionate about music. He had no problem going up to a drummer and saying 'Man, you're not playing it right.' "

Along with putting The Jaggerz on "American Bandstand," "The Rapper," from the band's second album "We Went to Different Schools Together," has endured as a classic-rock radio hit that keeps the current lineup on the concert circuit.

Mr. Pugliano played on the band's four albums, including the 1998 reunion record "And the Band Played On." He was also part of a Jaggerz side project backing legendary deejay Wolfman Jack on a novelty album that included "The Rapper."

Beyond the Jaggerz, the drummer toured with Tony Orlando, Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis and John Davidson. He also served in the Air Force National Guard.

Mr. Ross said when he wasn't drumming, he loved to hang out on the South Side and had a passion for Italian cooking. "He made some wonderful Italian sauces."

Mr. Pugliano is survived by his wife, Debra Garrison of Eugene, Ore.,; his father, James V. Pugliano of Leetsdale; and a sister, Jeanne Fitzgerald of Economy.

Arrangements were through Bohn-Matich Funeral Home in Ambridge.

First Published: June 19, 2010, 4:00 a.m.