A Legend Lost: Remembering Rubby Pérez

Music lovers in the Dominican Republic and beyond are mourning the loss of a true legend. Rubby Pérez, a beloved merengue artist, was among those who lost their lives in a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo. He was 69 years old. Pérez was known for his powerful voice and iconic songs like "Volveré, " "El Africano, " and "Tu Vas a Volar. " His contributions to merengue music earned him the title "the highest voice in merengue. " This was quite a feat, considering that music was not his first love. Pérez was born in Haina on March 8, 1956. As a young man, he dreamed of a career in baseball. However, a car accident that injured his right leg put an end to those dreams. This setback led him to discover his passion for music. He picked up the guitar and began his musical journey in the 1970s. His debut was with the group Los Pitagoras del Ritmo. In 1989, Pérez joined Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra, which paved the way for his solo career. His last album, "Hecho Esta, " was released in 2022. Pérez's music was highly acclaimed, with several of his albums going gold and platinum in Venezuela. He also received the Orchestra and Merengue of the Year honors at the Soberano Awards, the Dominican music awards. His impact on the music industry was immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Vargas, who worked closely with Pérez, released a heartfelt statement following the news of his passing. He highlighted Pérez's enduring legacy, noting that his powerful voice will continue to resonate in every corner of the Dominican Republic and beyond. Vargas described Pérez as more than just a singer; he was a symbol of courage, passion, and artistic excellence. This sentiment was echoed by fans and fellow musicians who remembered Pérez for his incredible talent and charismatic performances. The news of Pérez's death came as a shock to many, as he had just performed in New York City days before the tragic event. During his last performance in the U. S. , he expressed his excitement about returning to Santo Domingo. This made his untimely death even more devastating for his fans. A public funeral service was held for Pérez on Thursday at the National Theater in Santo Domingo. Mourners gathered to pay their respects and share memories of the beloved artist. One of the attendees, Martitza Martinez, recalled attending three of Pérez's parties in the Dominican Republic. She described him as a beloved man who was excellent on stage. Fans also gathered outside the United Palace theatre in Washington Heights, where Pérez had once performed. A poster of Pérez was displayed, surrounded by Dominican flags, candles, and images of religious figures, highlighting the deep impact he had on his community.