El Caballo Mayor

Legendary Dominican Merengue Singer Johnny Ventura Dies at 81

Legendary Dominican singer Johnny Ventura, known as the “Elvis of merengue” by some and “El Caballo Mayor” [The Old Horse] by many more, died in a Santiago hospital in his native Dominican Republic on Wednesday, July 28, at the age of 81 , according to government officials there. It was reported to have been a sudden heart attack.

"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."

The late singer, born Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano, began his music career in the early 1960s, joining several Latin music orchestras. But he rose to stardom after creating his own salsa and merengue orchestra, the “Combo Show.” In the span of his 60-year music career, Johnny recorded dozens of albums, and won six Latin Music Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 to honor his “contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music,” according to the Latin Recording Academy. Cuban salsa and orchestra music was an early influence in his life and for his 75th birthday, Johnny made one of his dreams come true: He traveled to Cuba, and recorded an album there.

One of the most popular Dominican artists of all time, Ventura was a prolific singer, songwriter, bandleader, and arranger of the merengue genre. Songs like “Patacón Pisao” and “¿Pitaste?,” are now staples.   

Music wasn’t Ventura’s only passion. He entered politics in the 90s, becoming vicemayor of Santo Domingo from 1994-1998, and mayor of Santo Domingo from 1998 to 2002.

"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.

The world prayed for Ventura in March 2020 when he tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized. He recovered from the disease. Shortly before his death, Ventura posted an Instagram video of himself dancing with a fan, captioned, “I miss the human warmth of my audience. Let’s continue to protect ourselves to return to normality soon.”

Ventura is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nelly Josefina Flores, seven children, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.