Remembering Rubby Pérez: The Unforgettable Voice of Merengue

A Legend Lost, A Voice That Echoes Forever: Remembering Rubby Pérez

If you've ever danced to the rhythm of merengue, chances are you've felt the electrifying voice of Rubby Pérez move through your body. It wasn’t just music—it was soul, pride, and pure Dominican fire wrapped into one unforgettable sound.

On a somber Thursday in Santo Domingo, fans, fellow musicians, and countrymen gathered at the National Theater for a public funeral service to honor a man who was more than just a performer. Rubby Pérez, the beloved merengue icon of the Dominican Republic, tragically lost his life at the age of 69 when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed earlier this week. The incident claimed numerous lives, shaking the heart of the Caribbean nation.

But Rubby wasn’t just a name in the headlines. He was a cultural force.

🌟 The Highest Voice in Merengue — Literally and Emotionally

Known for his powerhouse voice and anthems like “Volveré,” “El Africano,” and “Tu Vas a Volar,” Rubby Pérez was crowned with the title “the highest voice in merengue.” It wasn’t just a nod to his vocal range—it was recognition of his larger-than-life presence in a genre that pulses through the veins of Dominican identity.

And get this—merengue wasn’t even his first dream.

⚾ From the Baseball Field to the Big Stage

Rubby’s story could’ve taken a completely different path. Born on March 8, 1956, in Haina, Dominican Republic, Rubby initially set his sights on becoming a baseball player. Like so many Dominican boys, he dreamed of hitting home runs in packed stadiums.

But life had other plans.

A devastating car accident injured his right leg and abruptly ended his athletic aspirations. It was a moment that could have broken him—but instead, it sparked a new journey. Turning to music for solace, Rubby found comfort in the strings of a guitar, and soon after, discovered the voice that would take him to stages all over the world.

🎶 His Musical Beginnings: Rhythm, Roots, and Rise

Rubby’s musical career officially kicked off in the 1970s when he joined Los Pitagoras del Ritmo, a group that gave him his first taste of the spotlight. But it wasn’t until the late 1980s that things really started heating up.

In 1987, after working with legendary merengue artist Wilfrido Vargas, Rubby launched his solo career—a decision that catapulted him into merengue royalty. By 1989, he was already a household name.

His records went gold and platinum in Venezuela, and he scooped up multiple honors, including “Merengue of the Year” and “Orchestra of the Year” at the Dominican Republic’s prestigious Soberano Awards.

🎤 A Farewell We Weren’t Ready For

Just days before the tragic incident, Rubby was in New York City, giving what would unknowingly become his final U.S. performance. It was an emotional evening. Fans later recalled how Rubby, full of life and warmth, shared with the audience how excited he was to head back to Santo Domingo.

“I’ll see you again soon,” he reportedly said, his voice ringing with optimism. No one could have guessed those would be some of his final words on an American stage.

💬 The Mourning of a Nation—and a Diaspora

The news of Rubby’s death reverberated across not just the Dominican Republic, but also throughout the Dominican diaspora, especially in New York City’s Washington Heights—a cultural hub for Dominicans abroad.

Outside the United Palace Theatre, where Rubby had once delivered unforgettable performances, mourners lit candles and draped Dominican flags over trees. Someone even posted a picture of him beneath images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, a quiet altar for a musical saint.

“He was a beloved man,” said 75-year-old Martitza Martinez in Spanish. She had been to three of Rubby’s shows back in the DR, partly because her cousin was his car mechanic, but mostly because his live performances were, in her words, “excellent.”

🎧 His Final Album and Timeless Legacy

Even after decades in the business, Rubby was still creating. In 2022, he released what would become his final album, Hecho Está—a powerful reminder that his passion never dimmed with time. That same fire is what earned him unwavering respect from peers and fans alike.

When news broke about his passing, Wilfrido Vargas released a heartfelt statement:

“You can never really say goodbye to an artist like Rubby. His legacy transcends time and space. His voice—powerful and full of life—will continue to resonate in every corner of our Dominican Republic and beyond. Rubby was not just a singer; he was a symbol of courage, passion, and artistic excellence.”

💔 A National Tragedy That Claimed a Hero

The collapse of the Jet Set nightclub wasn’t just a structural disaster—it tore through the very soul of Dominican music. Rubby Pérez was more than just a victim of the tragedy; he was a national treasure, a beacon of cultural pride.

His passing sparked an outpouring of grief not just because of who he was, but because of what he represented: resilience, joy, rhythm, and the heart of a people.

📌 Why Rubby Pérez Will Never Be Forgotten:

• An Iconic Voice: Truly one of the most distinctive in merengue history.

• A Fighter: Overcame personal tragedy to find a new calling in music.

• A Cultural Pillar: Rubby helped shape the global identity of Dominican music.

• A Humble Soul: Known for being down-to-earth despite his fame.

• Still Relevant: Was actively performing and recording until the end.

• Loved Worldwide: Fans from Santo Domingo to New York celebrated his music.

Even as the candles burn out and the crowds fade from the theater steps, Rubby Pérez’s music will play on. It’ll play in family gatherings, dance halls, weddings, and in headphones across generations. Because legends like Rubby don’t die—they live forever in the rhythms they create and the hearts they touch.

Rest in rhythm, Rubby. You’ll always be the highest voice in our memories. 🎵💔