Dominican merengue star Johnny Ventura dies at 81

Merengue star Johnny Ventura died on Wednesday in Dominican Republic at 81years old. Ventura, who was known as "El Caballo Mayor" – the great horse – was recognized for modernizing merengue, a Dominican style of music and dance popular throughout Latin America.

The country's Ministry of Culture posted about the star's death on Twitter, writing: "We join in the pain that overwhelms his family in these difficult times. His legacy will live forever in his songs and Dominican culture." Ventura, a singer, songwriter, bandleader and arranger had several hit songs, including "Patacón pisao" and "Capullo y sorullo." The Latin Grammy-winning artist also received a lifetime achievement award from the awards show in 2006, the Associated Press reports.