Rubby Pérez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rubby Pérez
Pérez performing in New York City in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera
Born	(1956-03-08)8 March 1956
Origin	Bajos de Haina, San Cristóbal Province, Dominican Republic
Died	8 April 2025(2025-04-08) (aged 69) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Genres	Merengue
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1978–2025
Labels	Karen BMG Palenke

Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera (born March 8, 1956 – died April 8, 2025), known as Rubby Pérez, was a famous merengue singer from the Dominican Republic.

Rubby Pérez sang with different music groups for a while. Then, in 1983, Wilfrido Vargas invited him to be the main singer for his orchestra. They recorded an album called El Funcionario. This album was very popular and even made it onto a list of the top 600 Latin American songs. People called him "the highest voice of merengue" because of his unique singing style.

Rubby Pérez passed away on April 8, 2025, during a tragic accident at the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse.

Rubby Pérez's Early Life and Music Career

When Rubby Pérez was young, he dreamed of becoming a baseball player. However, a car accident caused a permanent injury to his left leg. After this, he decided to focus on music instead.

He studied music at the National Conservatory in Santo Domingo. He joined several school music groups, including the Choir Youth Guidance Society and Los Hijos del Rey. From 1980 to 1987, Rubby Pérez was part of Wilfrido Vargas's orchestra. During this time, he helped make many songs famous, such as "El Africano" and "Volveré".

Becoming a Solo Artist

In 1987, Rubby Pérez started his career as a solo artist. He quickly had many hit songs like "Buscando Tus Besos" and "Enamorado de Ella". These songs were very popular and even appeared on the Billboard music charts. His first solo album, Rubby Pérez, was on the Tropical music list for two weeks.

He received several Casandra Awards for "Orchestra of the Year" and "Merengue of the Year". In Venezuela, his first solo album, Buscando Tus Besos, earned him gold and platinum awards in 1988.

On June 15, 2025, Nicolás Maduro gave Rubby Pérez Venezuelan citizenship as a special honor after his passing. His daughter, Zulinka, accepted the award in Caracas. Other famous musicians like Sergio Vargas and Fernando Villalona were there to support her.

Personal Life

Rubby Pérez was married to Inés Antonia Lizardo for 48 years. She passed away on October 15, 2022.

Passing of Rubby Pérez

Rubby Pérez passed away on April 8, 2025. He was performing a concert in Santo Domingo when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse fell. He was 69 years old. His daughter, Zulinka, and her husband, Miguel Báez, who were singing with him, survived the accident. Sadly, the band's saxophonist, Luis Solís, also passed away.

After his passing, a memorial service was held for Rubby Pérez at the Eduardo Brito National Theater.

Helping Others

Rubby Pérez was known for his kindness and willingness to help. He was recognized by a group called COPOLA USA for helping victims of the big earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010.

In 2023, Rubby Pérez was the main performer at a special event in New York. This event celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month and was organized by a New York State office.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

In Spanish: Rubby Pérez para niños