Dominican merengue Johnny Ventura legend dies after a heart attack aged 81
Ventura, whose career spanned six decades, shot to fame after forming a merengue and salsa orchestra called the "combo show".The band was considered one of the most significant groups in the musical history of the Caribbean nation.
Merengue, which draws on African and Spanish influences, is both a genre of music and a partner dance style. Ventura, whose career spanned six decades, shot to fame after forming a merengue and salsa orchestra called the "combo show".
The band was considered one of the most significant groups in the musical history of the Caribbean nation. Merengue, which draws on African and Spanish influences, is both a genre of music and a partner dance style.
Dominican artists and politicians paid tributes to a musician known as "El Caballo Mayor" (Big Horse), who made more than 100 albums in a career spanning six decades.
"For your music and legacy, for your smile and example, and for dressing up every morning and teaching us all that merengue is !! Thank you, Don Johnny !!" Dominican star Juan Luis Guerra wrote on Twitter.
Dominican senator Hector Acosta tweeted: "A big piece of my life went with him. God be with you, Dad Ventura".
Former President Leonel Fernandez said that he was shocked by Ventura's death, adding: "His artistic and patriotic legacy is a symbol of Dominicans".
Born Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano on March 8, 1940, in Santo Domingo, the merengue legend had been married for more than 50 years and had seven children.
0 Comment