Johnny Ventura has sadly died.
The iconic merengue star, born
Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano, passed away at the age of 81, Billboard confirmed Wednesday (July 28).
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The legendary performer passed away of a sudden heart attack and was pronounced dead at Clínica Unión Medica del Norte in Santiago, Dominican Republic, via
El Tiempo.
He shared footage of himself just hours before the news of his death on Instagram: “I miss the human warmth of my audience. Let’s continue to protect ourselves to return to normality soon,” he wrote.
Johnny Ventura was born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, and he had many hits over the years, like “Patacon Pisao,” “¿Pitaste?” and “Merenguero Hasta la Tambora.” He also served as vice mayor of Santo Domingo in the ’90s, and as mayor from 1998 to 2002.
Dominican merengue star Johnny Ventura dies
Associated Press
Updated on: Jul 28, 2021, 10:35pm
Johnny Ventura, a merengue star known as “El Caballo Mayor” whose hits include “Patacón Pisao” and “Capullo y sorullo,” died Wednesday in his native Dominican Republic. He was 81 years old.
The Dominican Ministry of Culture regretted on Twitter the death of the Latin Grammy-winning musician: “We join the pain that overwhelms his family in these difficult times. His legacy will live forever in his songs and Dominican culture.
According to press reports, Ventura began to feel discomfort in a restaurant and was transferred to a clinic. His son did not immediately return messages from the AP seeking information.
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His fame rose in the early 1960s as he worked with a number of different performers in Santo Domingo, including Rondón Votau s orchestra, percussionist Donald Wild s band, Combo Caribe De Luis Pérez and Papa Molina’s La Super Orquesta San José, according to Rolling Stone.
He eventually embarked on a solo career with the Johnny Ventura y su Combo Show, with which he had hits including El Elevador, Merenguero Hasta la Tambora, Patacon Pisao, and Pitaste.
Stalwart: Ventura, snapped in 2016 in Las Vegas, achieved success in music and politics
Accomplished: Ventura, who was dubbed the Elvis of merengue, had won six Latin Music Grammys, one of which was a Lifetime Achievement Award he received in 2006
Johnny Ventura, star du merengue, est décédé
Décès de Johnny Ventura, figure du merengue / Le Journal horaire / 41 sec. / hier à 08:00
Le chanteur compositeur dominicain Johnny Ventura, figure du merengue, est décédé mercredi à l âge de 81 ans d une crise cardiaque, à Santiago de la Caballeros, dans le nord de la République dominicaine. Un deuil de trois jours a été décrété dans tout le pays.
Surnommé El Caballo Mayor (le grand cheval en français), Johnny Ventura a produit plus de 100 albums, devenant une icône de la musique caribéenne et latina. Celui qui avait aussi été député-maire de Saint-Domingue était notamment l auteur des tubes La muerte de Martin , Dilema ou Cabo e vela .
Dominican Music Legend Johnny Ventura Dies Aged 81
07/29/21 AT 2:00 AM
Legendary Dominican singer and songwriter Johnny Ventura, considered one of the greatest exponents of merengue, has died from a heart attack at the age of 81, health officials said.
Winner of six Latin Grammys over a 60-year career, Ventura shot to fame after forming his own merengue and salsa orchestra called the combo show, considered one of the most significant bands in Dominican musical history.
The Dominican Republic s president, Luis Abinader, declared three days of mourning following his death on Wednesday and said the singer would receive military honors.
The Dominican Ministry of Culture tweeted that it deeply regrets the death of the great Dominican musician Johnny Ventura.