Rubby Pérez was among the victims of the deadly Jet Set nightclub roof collapse on Tuesday (April 8). Hours after the tragedy, it was confirmed that the 69-year-old merengue icon had died after being trapped in the rubble.
Pérez had been performing at the nightclub in the early morning hours of Tuesday at the upscale nightclub located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when the roof collapsed, killing more than 120 people, according to the Associated Press’ latest death toll, and injuring hundreds more.
On Wednesday, Pérez’s team posted an official statement on the artist’s Instagram account. “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Rubby Pérez,” the post reads in Spanish. “We sincerely appreciate all the love, support and solidarity we have received at this difficult time for his family, friends and fans. His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts.”
Born Francisco Arturo Pérez in Hato Mayor, the singer launched his career as the lead vocalist of Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra. He then kicked off his solo career in the 1980s and catapulted to stardom thanks to classics like “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella.”
Immediately after reports of his death, a number of Latin artists posted heartfelt tributes in honor of the musician. “Heartbroken, not only for all the victims of this tragedy but also for the departure of someone so admired,” merengue star Olga Tañón wrote on Instagram. “My God, maestro you leave us in great pain. One of my greatest idols of all my life!”
“My heart goes out to all Dominicans after such a terrible tragedy, the loss of a great musician, a great brother, who with his music transcended generations as was the great Rubby Pérez, and for all those who died and were affected under the same circumstances,” wrote Venezuelan salsa singer Oscar D’León.
Meanwhile, Wilfrido Vargas, who was a key figure in the rise of Pérez, shared on Instagram: “I am devastated. The best singer the genre has ever produced, the highest voice of merengue. The friend and idol of our genre, has just left us. I have no more words. This is very deep, deeper than what you can feel even in the most terrible of dreams. Farewell Rubby Pérez.”
“You have arrived in the presence of the Lord Jesus, dear and admired Rubby Pérez,” Juan Luis Guerra wrote on Instagram. “May God pour out strength and His peace that surpasses all understanding upon your family and friends!”
Fellow Dominican artist, Milly Quezada, expressed on Instagram: “Fly high my friend! Rest in peace dear Rubby! My heart goes out to your family and also to the families of all those affected in this tragedy!
Without words…”
Other artists who mourned Rubby Pérez include Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Chichi Peralta, Elvis Crespo, Sergio Vargas, Yordano and Toño Rosario, among others.
The post “Olga Tañón, Juan Luis Guerra & More Pay Tribute to Rubby Pérez: ‘His Music Transcended Generations’” by Griselda Flores was published on 04/09/2025 by www.billboard.com