Fans and compatriots came together on Thursday to honor the memory of Rubby Pérez, a beloved music legend from the Dominican Republic who tragically lost his life in the collapse of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo. At the age of 69, Pérez was known for hits like “Volveré,” “El Africano,” and “Tu Vas a Volar,” showcasing his dedication to merengue, the distinctive musical genre of his homeland. Despite initially aspiring to a career in baseball, a car accident left Pérez with a leg injury, redirecting him towards music where he found his true calling. Beginning his musical journey in the 1970s as a member of Los Pitagoras del Ritmo, Pérez went on to join Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra in 1989, paving the way for his successful solo career starting in 1987. In 2022, Pérez released his latest album, “Hecho Esta,” adding to his collection of gold and platinum records in Venezuela and accolades such as Orchestra and Merengue of the Year at the Soberano Awards. Following Pérez’s untimely passing, Vargas paid tribute to his lasting influence, emphasizing that Pérez’s music will continue to resonate across time and borders.
A public funeral service was held for Pérez at Santo Domingo’s National Theater, where mourners including Martitza Martinez paid their respects to the late singer. Martinez fondly recalled Pérez’s energetic live performances and expressed her admiration for his talent. Outside the United Palace theatre in Washington Heights, New York City, where Pérez had once dazzled audiences, a poster honoring him was displayed amidst Dominican flags and candles bearing religious imagery. In the wake of this tragic loss, Pérez’s legacy lives on as a symbol of bravery, passion, and artistic brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of Dominican music and beyond.
