The Early Years: From the Diamond to the Stage (1956–1979)

  • 1956 (March 8): Born in Haina, San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic.

  • 1971–1974: Rubby trains as a professional baseball prospect, known for his speed and agility.

  • 1975: The Turning Point. A severe car accident results in a permanent knee injury, ending his baseball aspirations. During his recovery, he discovers his vocal talent and enrolls in the National Conservatory of Santo Domingo.

  • 1978: Makes his debut with the youth group Los Juveniles de Baní.

  • 1979: Briefly joins Los Hijos del Rey, performing alongside a young Fernandito Villalona.

The Wilfrido Vargas Era: International Stardom (1980–1987)

  • 1981: Recruited by Wilfrido Vargas, the architect of international merengue, who seeks a voice capable of reaching pop-ballad heights over merengue rhythms.

  • 1982: Records lead vocals for "El Africano". Despite lyrical controversy, the song becomes a global smash, introducing Rubby’s voice to Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru.

  • 1983–1984: The Anthem. Rubby records "Volveré". It becomes one of the best-selling merengue singles of the 1980s and the signature song of the Wilfrido Vargas Orchestra.

  • 1985: Lead vocalist on hits "Cobarde, Cobarde" and "Cuando estés con él." The orchestra tours Europe.

The Solo Revolution (1987–2000)

  • 1987 (January): Rubby departs the Wilfrido Vargas Orchestra to launch his own project.

  • 1987 (July): Releases his debut solo album, Buscando Tus Besos (Karen Records). The title track dominates radio in the DR and Venezuela.

  • 1988: Releases Fiesta Para Dos. The single "Enamorado de ella" enters the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart (#29), a rare feat for merengue at the time.

  • 1989: Wins Orchestra of the Year at the Casandra Awards (now Soberano).

  • 1992: Signs with BMG U.S. Latin for the album Ojos, showcasing a polished, international pop-merengue sound.

  • 1996–1998: Navigates the "Merenhouse" boom by staying true to romantic merengue. Releases No Te Olvides under PolyGram.

  • 1999: Releases Vuelve el Merengue. The track "Tú vas a volar" becomes a sleeper hit, revitalizing his career as he enters the new millennium.

The Icon Era: Resurgence & Legacy (2001–2024)

  • 2001: "Tú vas a volar" peaks on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart (#9), triggering a massive tour in the United States.

  • 2005: Releases "Perro Ajeno." The song becomes a cultural phenomenon and the unofficial "Song of the Year" in the Dominican Republic.

  • 2006: A Historic Night at the Casandra Awards. Rubby sweeps the ceremony, winning:

    • Merengue of the Year ("Perro Ajeno")

    • Orchestra of the Year

    • Male Artist of the Year

  • 2010: Recognized by COPOLA USA for his humanitarian efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.

  • 2022:

    • September: Collaborates with Romeo Santos on the track "15,500 Noches", bridging the gap to the Gen Z audience.

    • October: Tragedy strikes as his wife of 48 years, Inés Antonia Lizardo, passes away. Rubby publicly dedicates the remainder of his career to her memory.

  • 2024 (March): Receives the Soberano al Mérito (Lifetime Achievement Award) for 40+ years of excellence.

The Final Chapter & Posthumous Honors (2025)

  • February 2025: Delivers a stirring medley performance at the Premios Soberano, receiving a 5-minute standing ovation.

  • April 8, 2025: Rubby Pérez performs his final show at the Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo. Tragically, he loses his life during the structural collapse of the venue.

  • April 10, 2025: A State Funeral is held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes; declared a National Day of Mourning.

  • October 2025: Posthumously awarded Top Tropical Album of the Year at the Latin Billboard Music Awards for La Voz Eterna.