A version of this article appears in print on July 30, 2021, Section A, Page 21 of the New York edition with the headline: Johnny Ventura, the Dynamic and Prolific ‘Elvis of Merengue,’ Dies at 81.

Johnny Ventura, a Dominican singer who helped modernize merengue music in the 1960s with his frenetic tempos, mischievous lyrics, rock-influenced backing band and joyous, hip-swinging stage ...

Legendary Dominican merengue singer Juan de Dios "Johnny" Ventura died on Wednesday, according to his family and officials in the Dominican Republic. He was 81.