Ventura, who won a Latin Grammy for best merengue album, was recognized for modernizing the Dominican style of music and dance..
Merengue star Johnny Ventura died on Wednesday in Dominican Republic at 81years old. Ventura, who was known as « El Caballo Mayor » – the great horse – was recognized for modernizing merengue, a Dominican style of music and dance popular throughout Latin America. The country’s Ministry of Culture posted about the star’s death on Twitter, writing: « We join in the pain that overwhelms his family in these difficult times. His legacy will live forever in his songs and Dominican culture. » Ventura, a singer, songwriter, bandleader and arranger had several hit songs, including « Patacón pisao » and « Capullo y sorullo. » The Latin Grammy-winning artist also received a lifetime achievement award from the awards show in 2006, the Associated Press reports.
