Merengue music icon Rubby Pérez remembrances pour in after Dominican Republic roof collapse

Apnews - Apr 10th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Dominican Republic's music scene mourns the loss of merengue legend Rubby Pérez, who tragically died at the age of 69 when the roof of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo collapsed. Known for hits such as “Volveré” and “El Africano,” Pérez was celebrated as “the highest voice in merengue.” His death has sent waves of grief across the Dominican Republic and the global music community, with tributes highlighting his lasting influence and musical contributions.

Rubby Pérez's career spanned decades, beginning in the 1970s after a car accident ended his aspirations of becoming a baseball player. His music, characterized by powerful vocals and passionate delivery, earned him numerous accolades, including gold and platinum albums in Venezuela. The public funeral service in Santo Domingo drew fans and admirers, underscoring his impact on Dominican culture. Pérez’s legacy, as emphasized by former collaborator Wilfrido Vargas, will continue to inspire future generations and resonate beyond borders.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a respectful and engaging tribute to Rubby Pérez, capturing his influence on the Dominican music scene and the tragedy of his untimely death. It succeeds in delivering a clear and timely account, appealing to readers interested in cultural and music stories. However, the article could enhance its credibility and impact by incorporating more diverse sources and perspectives, as well as exploring broader implications of the nightclub collapse. While it effectively communicates Pérez's legacy, additional transparency and depth in coverage would strengthen its overall quality. The article maintains a balanced tone but could benefit from addressing potential controversies or societal issues related to the incident, which would increase its relevance and public interest.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate account of the events surrounding Rubby Pérez's death and his career. It correctly identifies Pérez as a prominent figure in Dominican merengue music and mentions his involvement with Wilfrido Vargas' orchestra and his solo career. The article also accurately reports on his recent performance in New York City and his subsequent death in the Jet Set club roof collapse in Santo Domingo. However, there are minor discrepancies, such as the timeline of his solo career launch, which may require clarification. Overall, the story aligns well with available sources but would benefit from additional citations to bolster its claims.

7
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on Rubby Pérez's achievements and the tributes paid to him following his death. It presents a positive perspective on his career and legacy, highlighting his contributions to merengue music and the impact of his work. However, it lacks a broader view that might include critical perspectives or challenges he faced throughout his career. The article could be more balanced by incorporating diverse viewpoints, such as industry challenges or personal struggles, to provide a more comprehensive picture of Pérez's life and career.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through Rubby Pérez's career and the events surrounding his death. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the content easy to understand for a broad audience. The use of quotes and specific examples from Pérez's life and career adds depth and clarity. However, minor improvements in clarity could be achieved by providing more context or background information on certain aspects, such as the significance of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.

6
Source quality

The article references statements from Wilfrido Vargas and includes quotes from fans, which adds some credibility. However, it does not specify the sources of its factual claims, such as Pérez's career timeline and achievements. The inclusion of direct quotes from individuals who knew Pérez personally helps, but the article would benefit from citing more authoritative sources, such as music industry experts or official records, to strengthen its reliability. The contribution from an Associated Press reporter adds a layer of credibility, but more diverse and authoritative sources would enhance the overall quality.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and the basis for its claims. While it includes a quote from Wilfrido Vargas, it does not clearly attribute other factual information to specific sources. The absence of detailed methodology or disclosure about how information was gathered or verified impacts the article's transparency. Greater transparency in explaining the sources of key facts and any potential conflicts of interest would improve the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the information's reliability.

Sources

  1. https://abc7ny.com/post/merengue-star-rubby-perez-killed-dominican-republic-nightclub-roof-collapse-days-performing-nyc/16149101/
  2. https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2025-04-09/rubby-perez-octavio-dotel-dominican-republic-nightclub-roof-collapse
  3. https://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/mourners-pay-tribute-to-merengue-icon-rubby-20269643.php
  4. https://www.instagram.com/p/DINCgdxSgcD/