Dominican music legend Johnny Ventura dies aged 81

Santo Domingo: Legendary Dominican singer and songwriter Johnny Ventura, considered one of the greatest exponents of merengue, has died from a heart attack at the age of 81, health officials said.

Winner of six Latin Grammys over a 60-year career, Ventura shot to fame after forming his own merengue and salsa orchestra called the "combo show," considered one of the most significant bands in Dominican musical history. The Dominican Republic’s president, Luis Abinader, declared three days of mourning following his death on Wednesday and said the singer would receive military honors.