Johnny Ventura, famous Dominican merengue vocalist, passes away at 81

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Johnny Ventura, legendary Dominican merengue singer, dies at 81

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Legendary Dominican vocalist Johnny Ventura passed away Wednesday at the age of 81, according to authorities in the Dominican Republic.

“The Ministry of Culture deeply regrets the death of the great Dominican musician Johnny Ventura,” the government entity tweeted in Spanish. “We join the pain that overwhelms his family in these difficult times. His legacy will live on forever in his songs and Dominican culture.”

His child, Jandy Ventura, informed Dominican press that his daddy passed away in a health center after having a cardiac arrest.

The late vocalist started his music profession in the early 1960s after signing up with numerous Latin music orchestras. But he increased to prominence when he developed his own salsa and merengue orchestra, referred to as the “Combo Show,” turning into one of the most popular Dominican artists of perpetuity.

Ventura, who was considered as the “Elvis of merengue” by some in the music market, taped lots of albums throughout his 60-year profession. He won 6 Latin Music Grammys, consisting of a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 to honor his “contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music,” according to the Latin Recording Academy.

“Today is a very sad day for merengue and for the Dominican Republic. Johnny Ventura, El Caballo Mayor, has physically left us, but his legacy and joy will always be with us. My solidarity hug to his loved ones,” Dominican First Lady Raquel Arbaje tweeted in Spanish.

After reaching super star status in the music market, Ventura entered into politics. He acted as the vice mayor of Santo Domingo from 1994 to 1998, and as mayor of Santo Domingo from 1998 to 2002.

Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., who is likewise the very first Dominican-American chosen to Congress, remembered Ventura as “a good friend.”

“He was a man of his word, a man of endless talent, a national treasure, and an icon of the Dominican community,” Espaillat tweeted. “My heart breaks now that he’s gone, but his spirit must — and will — live on. Rest in power, brother.”

Ventura is surivived by his other half of 50 years, Nelly Josefina Flores, 7 kids, 17 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

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