Johnny Ventura, Dominican Merengue Icon, Dies at 81

Born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, Ventura kicked off his profession within the early ‘60s and became as soon as coined as “El Caballo Negro.” About a of his most entertaining titles consist of tropical hits comparable to “Patacon Pisao,” “¿Pitaste?” and “Merenguero Hasta la Tambora,” all of which maintain became staples in Latin households.

Ventura’s timeless music has entered a ramification of Billboard charts, together with Sizzling Latin Songs, Prime Latin Albums, Tropical Airplay and Tropical Albums. From 1994 to 1998, Ventura additionally served as vice mayor of Santo Domingo and as mayor from 1998 to 2002.

On social media, artists comparable to Olga Tañon and Manny Cruz, among others, reacted to his death.

“My admiration for you mostly,” Tañon wrote on Instagram. “You assuredly handled me with so noteworthy affection and appreciate! I made my dream of recording with you a actuality! You are a huge defender of merengue music for the total world!”