the voice that defied gravity
In the pantheon of Latin music, there are singers, there are stars, and then there are legends whose voices become the very pulse of a culture; Voices that resonate with the power, clarity, and soul of Rubby Pérez. Known worldwide as "La Voz Más Alta del Merengue" (The Highest Voice of Merengue), Rubby Pérez was more than a celebrated artist—he was a cultural ambassador who carried the rhythm of the Dominican Republic to the farthest corners of the globe.
His music has been the soundtrack of celebrations for decades, but his story is one of profound resilience. Behind the gold records and sold-out stadiums lies a journey of overcoming impossible odds—a journey that now serves as the heartbeat of the Rubby Pérez Foundation.
The boy from haina
Born on March 8, 1956, in the humble streets of Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic, Rubby Pérez did not grow up dreaming of a microphone. His first love was the baseball diamond.
Throughout his childhood, Rubby Pérez was a prodigious athlete, known in his community as a fiercely talented catcher with a rare gift: he was ambidextrous. His ability to throw with precision using both hands made him a serious prospect for the Major Leagues. The path seemed clear, and his ticket out of poverty was all but printed.
But destiny intervened with brutal suddenness. At the age of 15, while walking near a bridge in Haina, Rubby Pérez was struck by a truck. The accident was catastrophic, causing severe, permanent damage to his left leg.
In a sterile hospital room, a doctor delivered the news that would break a young boy’s heart: "You will likely never walk without a cane. You will certainly never play baseball again."
In an instant, his future seemed uncertain. But it was in this moment of darkness that Rubby Pérez found his true light.
Unable to run the bases, he turned to his voice. He discovered that music offered a different kind of freedom—a way to heal, to express pain and joy, and to connect with others. This pivotal transition from tragedy to triumph is the "seed" of our Foundation. It taught Rubby Pérez that resilience is not just about enduring pain, but about reimagining your future.
The Musical Ascent: Finding a New Purpose
Rubby Pérez’s transition from athlete to artist was not overnight. It was a grind born of discipline. He began refining his gift in the Society of Youth Guidance church choir, learning that music was not just entertainment, but a vehicle for spiritual and emotional connection.
His professional journey began in the trenches of local groups. He performed with Los Pitágoras del Ritmo in Haina, before joining Los Juveniles de Baní in 1978. By 1981, his talent had become undeniable, leading him to join Los Hijos del Rey, where he began to polish the commanding stage presence that would later define his career.
The Golden Era: The Highest Voice
In 1982, Rubby Pérez joined the orchestra of Wilfrido Vargas, a move that would change the trajectory of Merengue forever. It was here that Rubby Pérez’s voice—a powerful, crystalline tenor capable of reaching dizzying heights—found its global platform.
During this era, he recorded hits that are now etched into the DNA of Latin music. The infectious energy of "El Africano" introduced him to the masses, but it was his interpretation of "Volveré" that crowned him a legend.
"Volveré" was not just a song; it was a vocal masterclass. Rubby Pérez’s ability to sustain high notes with emotive power allowed his voice to cut through the heavy brass sections of the orchestra, earning him the moniker "La Voz Más Alta del Merengue." He wasn't just singing over the band; he was soaring above it.
Solo Stardom & International Icon
In 1987, ready to chart his own course, Rubby Pérez launched his solo career with the album Buscando Tus Besos and immediately thrived, becoming one of the most recognizable stars in the industry.
His impact was particularly profound in Venezuela, a country that adopted him as one of their own. Rubby Pérez became an idol in the region, selling out arenas and earning multiple Gold and Platinum records for his sales figures.
The hits followed one after another, creating the soundtrack for generations of Latinos:
"Tú Vas a Volar" – An anthem of liberation that mirrored his own life story.
"Perro Ajeno" – A track that showcased his ability to blend storytelling with rhythm.
"Hipocresía" and "Enamorado de Ella" – Songs that remain staples of tropical radio to this day.
His excellence was recognized repeatedly by the Association of Art Chroniclers (Acroarte), winning numerous Casandra (now Soberano) Awards, including the prestigious Merengue of the Year Award.
A Humanitarian Heart
While the world saw the star, those close to him saw the man. Rubby Pérez never forgot the pain of that 15-year-old boy in the hospital bed, and he spent his life trying to alleviate the suffering of others.
Long before the establishment of this Foundation, Rubby Pérez was a quiet philanthropist. Following the devastating 2010 Earthquake in Haiti, Rubby Pérez was among the first artists to mobilize, organizing aid and using his platform to call for international solidarity. In New York City and across the United States, he was a fixture at Hispanic Heritage events, always championing and advocating for the advancement of the Dominican diaspora.
Resilience Until the End
Rubby Pérez’s life was a continuous lesson in resilience, but his final chapter demonstrated a courage that will be spoken of for generations.
In 2022, he faced perhaps his greatest personal challenge with the passing of his beloved wife, Inés Antonia Lizardo. Despite the profound grief of losing his partner of many decades, Rubby displayed the same fortitude he had shown as a teenager. He returned to the stage, honoring her memory through his music - proving that even in sorrow, he could continue to prevail and serve as a beacon of hope. He often spoke of the stage as his sanctuary—the one place where his grief could be transmuted into joy for others.
On the night of April 8, 2025, that sanctuary became the site of a national tragedy. Rubby was headlining a sold-out performance at the iconic Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo, a venue considered to many as being the cathedral of merengue. Shortly after midnight, in a catastrophic structural failure, the roof of the venue collapsed - claiming the lives of over 200 people, including Rubby’s.
Although the news of the tragedy, and of his passing, brought the Dominican Republic to a standstill, Rubby Pérez left this world as he lived in it: singing, protecting those he loved, and surrounded by the people who adored him.