Dominican Merengue Singer Rubby Pérez Dies After Nightclub Roof Collapses in Santo Domingo
This Oct. 16, 2012 photo shows Dominican singer Rubby Perez responds to questions during an interview in New York. Perez, who is celebrating his 30 years in music, was in the U.S. promoting his latest album, "Genial." (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
It’s a dark day for the Dominican Republic’s music scene. Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez passed away at age 69. Pérez, also known as “La Voz Más Alta Del Merengue,” died after the roof of a nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8.
Pérez was performing at the Jet Set nightclub when the tragedy happened. According to reports, he was trapped in the rubble after the roof fell in. A few hours after the incident, it was reported that Pérez was still alive but hospitalized. “He’s hospitalized, he’s inside, and we hope to God that he recovers soon,” the singer’s daughter, Zulinka Pérez, reportedly told the press at the time. “He’s injured, but he’s hospitalized; they found him singing. He started singing so they could hear him. He’s always told me: ‘If something ever happens to me, cover me so no one takes pictures.’”
Despite multiple contradicting reports on Pérez’s condition, local media outlets later clarified that his body was recovered in the early hours of today (April 9), contrary to earlier claims that he had passed away at 5 p.m. on April 8.
Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera was born on Mar. 8, 1956 in Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic. According to Lístin Diario, he switched his career focus from sports to music when he was run over and fractured his leg at age 15. After that incident, he became involved in the church choir and later studied at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. By 1977, he was invested in his musical career and debuted as part of the orchestra Los Pitágoras del Ritmo.
However, it wasn’t until he partnered up with Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra that he garnered international fame in the early 1980s. He became known for his hit songs with Vargas, such as “El Africano,” “Volveré,” and “Cuando Estés Con Él.” The popular merenguero was also known for other tracks like “Y No Voy A Llorar” and “Buscando Tus Besos.”
Per the Associated Press’ early reports on the Jet Set tragedy, over 18 people were reported dead, and over 120 people were injured after the nightclub’s roof collapsed and fell on them early Tuesday morning. NBC News later reported that the number increased to more than 113 people killed and 138 people injured.
Fans worldwide are mourning the tragic death of the Dominican merengue legend. May he rest in peace.
Editor’s Note, April 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET: This post has been edited to clarify that the death of Rubby Pérez was confirmed by local authorities in the early hours of Wednesday morning.