Johnny Ventura (born Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano on March 8, 1940, in Santo Domingo) was a legendary Dominican singer, bandleader, and politician who transformed merengue music and helped bring it to international audiences. Known as “El Caballo Mayor” (The Big Horse), Ventura rose to fame in the early 1960s with his energetic performances and innovative arrangements. He formed his orchestra, Combo Show, which introduced choreographed dancing, colorful stage outfits, and a modern sound that revitalized traditional merengue.

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During the 1960s and 1970s, Ventura became one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music. He blended traditional merengue rhythms with elements of other Latin styles and modern instrumentation, helping popularize the genre across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Latino communities in the United States. His recordings and performances helped pave the way for later merengue stars such as Wilfrido Vargas and Juan Luis Guerra. Ventura’s lively stage presence and socially conscious lyrics made him both an entertainer and a cultural ambassador for Dominican music.

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Beyond music, Ventura was active in public service. He served as mayor of Santo Domingo from 1998 to 2002 and later as a member of the Dominican Congress. Throughout his life, he received numerous awards recognizing his artistic contributions and his role in promoting Dominican culture. Ventura continued performing and recording for decades until his death on July 28, 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of merengue.