by the El Reportero‘s news services
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.
Luis Abinader, president of the Dominican Republic, declared three days of mourning after Ventura’s death.
Mr Abinader also said that the singer – known affectionately as “El Caballo Mayor”, or Big Horse – would posthumously receive military honors.
“The death of Johnny Ventura is an irreparable loss, we were ahead of” El Caballo.
Johnny was a great artist with unique authenticity, a man of integrity in every sense of the word, he was a gentleman, kind and caring, a great example of integrity for all of us, “wrote trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on his Facebook page.
“His music about him, his songs and especially his image will remain for the rest of our lives in the memory of all of us who were lucky enough to know him and enjoy his art and his friendship.
“It is a very sad day for music and for everyone in your beloved Quisqueya La Bella.
Rest in peace, my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world. We are going to miss you to the drum. May God receive him in his Holy Glory. ”
According to a report from the hospital that treated him, Ventura collapsed while having lunch in the northern city of Santiago de los Caballeros, the BBC reported.
He did not respond to resuscitation efforts, the Unión Medica Clinic added.
The artist made more than 100 albums in his long musical career and received six Latin Grammy Awards.
He later he pursued a career in politics, becoming the mayor of the capital, Santo Domingo.
Ventura, who was born Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano on March 8, 1940, was married for more than 50 years and had seven children.
The Dominican Ministry of Culture tweeted: “We join in the grief that overwhelms [Ventura’s] family in these difficult times. His legacy will live on forever in his songs and in Dominican culture.”
