Oscar D'León facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oscar D'León
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D'León in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Óscar Emilio León Simosa |
| Born | July 11, 1943 Caracas, Venezuela |
| Genres | Salsa |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Labels | Top Hits |
Óscar Emilio León Simosa (born July 11, 1943), known to many as Oscar D'León, is a famous musician from Venezuela. People often call him The Pharaoh of Salsa, The Lion of Salsa, or the World's Sonero because of his amazing salsa music. He is well-known for his song "Llorarás," which he recorded in 1974 with his band, Dimensión Latina. Oscar D'León also helps others as an ambassador for Operation Smile, an organization that provides free surgeries for children.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Oscar D'León grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. From a young age, he loved percussion and would often make bass sounds with his voice. He even got into trouble at school for constantly tapping rhythms!
He taught himself to play the upright bass. For a while, he worked as a mechanic, factory worker, or taxi driver during the day. At night, he played bass in local bands. He became known as a great bass player and a fun performer. He could even make up whole songs on the spot! He was also famous for dancing with his large double bass while singing.
Oscar D'León started his own music groups, like La Golden Star and Los Psicodélicos. In 1972, he teamed up with percussionist José Rodríguez and trombone players César Monge and José Antonio Rojas to form the band Dimensión Latina.
Four years later, D'León left Dimensión Latina and started a new band called La Salsa Mayor. With this group, he recorded a popular merengue song called "Juanita Morell." It became a big hit on the radio in Puerto Rico. In 1978, he formed another band, La Crítica, to honor old Cuban rumba legends. For some time, Oscar D'León sang with both orchestras, which kept him very busy.
Oscar D'León's Music Career
During the 1980s, Oscar D'León became a very famous salsa musician. He was known throughout the Caribbean music world. In 1982, he visited Cuba, which was a huge event there. Many traditional Cuban music stars were no longer active. So, D'León's classic salsa style became very popular with Cubans of all ages.
Over time, he stopped playing the double bass on stage. It was hard to travel with it, and sometimes it would get damaged. He also started shaving his head, but he always kept his famous mustache!
Oscar D'León toured successfully across America and Spain. He was the first Latino artist to sign a contract with the BBC in the United Kingdom. He also performed in Japan.
Awards and Achievements
Oscar D'León has received many honors for his music. In 2014, he was named Best Salsa Artist at the Pepsi Venezuela Music Awards.
On July 7, 2015, he received a special honorary doctorate degree from the Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador. This award recognized his hard work and dedication to music, which made him a true artistic treasure of Venezuela.
Images for kids
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D'León in 2009
