Adriano Ventura —born in the Santiago suburb of Jacagua, one of nine musical siblings that included his sister Aridia Ventura— is a Dominican bachata singer and composer remembered as one of the genre’s earliest pioneers, and as the first bachata artist Santiago produced.

«La Novia Ajena»

In 1968 he wrote and recorded «La Novia Ajena», a bachata composed in the style and rhythm of the Mexican vals, which brought him considerable success in a genre then still taking shape alongside foundational figures like José Manuel Calderón and Luis Segura.

Launching his sister’s career

In 1975 he produced Aridia Ventura’s first single, helping launch a career that would make her one of bachata’s leading female voices — even though he and others had reservations when she went on to sign a five-year contract with Radhamés Aracena of Radio Guarachita.

Legacy

Still remembered today as the first bachatero Santiago ever produced, Adriano Ventura now lives in Manhattan, New York.