Last Wednesday, 28 July 2021, an 81-year old man died quite suddenly from a massive heart attack. His name was Juan de Dios Ventura. His stage name was Johnny Ventura, and he was a legend. As his life accomplishments were reviewed extensively in the media, Dominicans learned the incredible life achievements of the beloved orchestra director.
For the past four days the event was the front page story in every newspaper, television or radio show and social media platforms. Ventura’s funeral videos flooded the airwaves, the people reminisced of his participation even in rum commercials, and his latest effort done the very day of his passing were shared.
Johnny Ventura was a musician, music and lyrics composer and singer, mentor of thousands. He was also a businessman, civic leader, former legislator and Santo Domingo mayor (1998-2002).
Johnny Ventura’s passing and funeral became the most felt and most followed by Dominicans the global press. The New York Times wrote that Ventura was the “Elvis of Merengue.”
In places like the United States Congress, the Spanish Diet and the Dominican Congress, he was eulogized for his work, both as a musician and orchestra director and as a humanitarian. He was a self-educated person, and incredibly well spoken in a calm and reserved manner. When first elected to the Dominican Chamber of Deputies, in 1978, Ventura was the first to sign up for an innovative seminar on legislative procedures prepared by the Madre y Maestra University for novel legislators. In later years, he graduated in law.
On Friday and Saturday every sector of society paid their respects: the Dominican President Luis Abinader spoke on several occasions, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate eulogized. He was taken to the basketball pavillion at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center for public farewells. The funeral procession passed through Villa Juana, his place of birth, as well as other barrios, and was covered in flowers from start to finish. For the country, his music is helping heal the loss and remind all of his legacy.
Read more:
Listin Diario
New York Times
BBC
Washington Post
El Pais
DW
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N Digital
2 August 2021