New York, NY – April 10, 2025 – This tribute focuses on Rubby Pérez as a friend, entrepreneur, and devoted advocate for the Latino community, highlighting the enduring legacy he leaves behind following his untimely passing. On the early morning of April 8, 2025, the music world mourned the loss of renowned Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who tragically lost his life during a performance at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo due to the collapse of the venue’s roof. This devastating incident resulted in 221 fatalities and more than 250 injuries, marking one of the most tragic events in Dominican Republic history.
A Legendary Voice with Global Influence
Born Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera in 1956 in Bajos de Haina, Rubby Pérez faced significant early challenges, including an accident that ended his ambitions of becoming a professional baseball player. Redirecting his passion toward music, he pursued formal training at the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo. Pérez achieved prominence in the 1980s as the lead vocalist for Wilfrido Vargas’s orchestra, where hits like “El Africano” and “Volveré” catapulted him to fame. His solo career, launched in 1987, cemented his reputation with chart-toppers such as “Buscando Tus Besos” and “Enamorado de Ella,” earning him the nickname “La Voz Más Alta del Merengue.”
Beyond his homeland, Pérez’s artistry profoundly impacted Venezuela’s Latino community, achieving significant gold and platinum sales and becoming a cultural staple across Latin America.
Dedicated to Community and Philanthropy
Rubby Pérez was equally renowned for his humanitarian efforts. He notably assisted victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, earning recognition from the Committee of Latin American Political Parties in the United States (COPOLA USA). In 2023, Pérez performed at a fundraiser organized by the New York State Office of General Services for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Also, he supported various community non-profit organizations and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to social causes.
A Visionary Entrepreneur and Collaborator
Rubby Pérez maintained a close friendship and professional partnership with Rafael Alvarez, CFE, the Founder and CEO of The Latino Franchise Association, Latinx Franchise Brands and the founder and former CEO of ATAX Franchise. Pérez participated in Alvarez’s “Mister Franquicias Podcast,” recorded at Alvarez headquarters office on the 85th floor of the One World Trade Center in New York City. In this notable episode (#25), Pérez discussed his artistic journey, the importance of cultural preservation, and his interest in the franchising industry.
Alvarez recalls meeting Pérez around 1995 through mutual acquaintance Elsa Simo, who introduced Pérez for tax-related consulting. Pérez consistently demonstrated a proactive attitude toward fiscal responsibility, ensuring compliance with U.S. tax laws, and publicly advocated for financial transparency among artists on Dominican television about the importance of reporting their concert and performance income and paying their taxes in the United States. Beyond taxes, Pérez expressed a keen interest in franchising, viewing it as an ideal opportunity to establish a lasting legacy for his family.
Throughout their friendship, Rubby Pérez actively supported Alvarez’s franchise initiatives, he was on of the first person who came to Alvarez’s office personally to congratulate him for getting one of the highest honor in the franchising industry, the International Franchise Association Ronald E. Harrison Award in 2015. He also frequently attended and performed live in many events organized by ATAX Franchise Headquarters for ATAX franchisees and openly recognizing Alvarez’s pioneering contributions as the first Dominican entrepreneur in establishing a franchise in the U.S. Alvarez fondly remembered Pérez’s willingness to perform at his personal & family events, notably during his birthday celebration in 2019 at his house, arranged by Pérez’s U.S. manager, Enrique.
Reflecting on their friendship, Alvarez stated, “Rubby was not just a musical icon but a beacon of hope and a symbol of perseverance. His invaluable contributions and the openness with which he shared his journey have left a profound mark on our community.”
Honoring His Enduring Legacy
The passing of Rubby Pérez deeply resonates throughout the Dominican Republic and the global Latino community. His memorial service at the Eduardo Brito National Theater in Santo Domingo, attended by President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje, underscored his immense cultural significance. Simultaneously, in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood, residents gathered in remembrance, celebrating his profound contributions to music, culture, and community enrichment.
Rubby Pérez’s legacy lives on through his timeless music, humanitarian endeavors, and the countless lives he touched. His inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact one individual can make on both community and culture.
For those interested in revisiting Rubby Pérez’s conversation with Rafael Alvarez on the “Mister Franquicias Podcast,” the episode #25 is available here:
