Johnny Ventura, born Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano on March 8, 1940, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was a prodigious figure in Latin music, renowned for his charismatic stage presence and his pivotal role in the popularization of merengue music. A virtuoso singer, bandleader, and songwriter, Ventura's energetic performances and innovative sounds earned him the affectionate title "El Caballo Mayor."

Ventura's career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1960s when he made a name for himself with the band Combo Show, a group known for modernizing merengue with rock and roll influences. Throughout the years, he remained at the forefront of the genre, continuously experimenting and evolving his music. His later works, such as "En Vivo Jet Set Club," "100% Merengue," and "Yo Soy El Merengue," showcase his undiminished enthusiasm for live performance and his commitment to the merengue tradition. Ventura was not only a staple in music but also ventured into politics, serving as the mayor of Santo Domingo and continuously contributing to his community. The legend of Johnny Ventura endures as his recordings, such as "Temperatura Ambiente" and the heartfelt "Carita Dulce (LIVE FROM CAP CANA)," preserve the spirit of a performer whose influence on Latin music is indelible. Sadly, Johnny Ventura passed away on July 28, 2021, but his music and legacy as one of the most influential figures in the merengue genre live on.

Genres

Merengue

Merengue Tipico

Musica Tradicional Dominicana

Tropical

Related Artists

Wilfrido Vargas

El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico

Sergio Vargas

Fernando Villalona

Rubby Perez

Jennifer Lopez

Marc Anthony

Ricky Martin

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Eddie Santiago

Celia Cruz

Elvis Crespo

Latest Release

En Vivo Jet Set Club

Johnny Ventura

Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 27, 2023