(ANSA) - ROME, JULY 29 - The iconic Dominican singer legend of merengue Johnny Ventura died of a heart attack at the age of 81.
According to a medical report, Ventura fell ill yesterday while dining in the northern city of Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. Transported to the ClinicaUnión Médica del Norte, in the province of Santiago, north of the capital Santo Domingo, he did not respond to attempts at resuscitation.
Ventura, whose career spanned six decades, became famous after forming a merengue and salsaka orchestra called "El Combo Show," says the BBC. The band was considered one of the most significant groups in the music history of the Caribbean nation.
Luis Abinader, president of the Dominican Republic, declared three days of mourning after Ventura's death, announcing that the singer - known affectionately as "ElCaballo Mayor" - will posthumously receive military honors.
The artist has released more than 100 albums in his long musical career and has received six Latin Grammys. He later pursued a career in politics, becoming mayor of the capital Santo Domingo. (HANDLE).