Simón Díaz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simón Díaz
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Simón Díaz in 2005
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Simón Narciso Díaz Márquez |
| Born | August 8, 1928 Barbacoas, Aragua, Venezuela |
| Died | February 19, 2014 (aged 85) Caracas, Venezuela |
| Genres | Venezuelan folk music |
| Occupations | Musician, singer, composer |
| Years active | 1948–2007 |
Simón Díaz was a famous Venezuelan singer and composer. He was born on August 8, 1928, and passed away on February 19, 2014. He even won a special Grammy Award for his amazing music! People often called him "Tío Simón" (Uncle Simón).
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Simón Díaz's Musical Journey
Simón Díaz worked hard to bring back and share the traditional music of the Venezuelan plains, called the llanos. Many famous artists from different countries have performed his style of music. These include Mercedes Sosa from Argentina and Caetano Veloso from Brazil. Even symphonies and choirs in Venezuela have used his songs in their performances.
Simón Díaz's Music in Arts and Films
Simón Díaz's music was so special that it was used in other art forms too. A German dance creator named Pina Bausch used his songs in her show Nur Du. Also, the movie director Pedro Almodóvar put Simón Díaz's song "Tonada de Luna Llena" in his film The Flower of My Secret. The Brazilian artist Caetano Veloso sang it in the movie.
Simón Díaz on Stage and Screen
Simón Díaz was not just a musician. In the 1960s, he became a comedian in Venezuela. He acted in three plays and in movies like El Reportero and Isla de sal. He also created and hosted 12 different TV shows. All these shows helped promote Venezuelan music and culture.
One of his most popular shows was Contesta por Tío Simón. This show taught children about Venezuelan popular culture. It was on TV for 10 years! During this time, his young viewers started calling him "Uncle Simón." He also had a daily radio show for 25 years, focusing on Venezuelan folklore and music. Simón Díaz recorded over 70 albums and performed countless times throughout his career.
The Song "Caballo Viejo"
Simón Díaz wrote a very famous song called "Caballo viejo". This song became a huge international hit when the Gipsy Kings recorded it as "Bamboléo". Many other famous singers have performed his songs, including Plácido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, and Celia Cruz.
A Documentary About Simón Díaz
The Latin American TV channel A&E MUNDO made a special documentary about Simón Díaz. It was part of their "Biography" program. This show celebrated his many contributions to Venezuelan culture. It first aired in September 2004.
Simón Díaz passed away on February 19, 2014, after battling Alzheimer's disease for many years.
Simón Díaz's Albums
Simón Díaz recorded many albums during his career. Here are some of them:
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Parranda Criolla | Palacio |
| 1963 | Lila + Hugo + Simón: Música de la Película "Isla de Sal" | Palacio |
| 1963 | ¡Ya Llegó Simón! | Palacio |
| 1964 | De Parranda con Simón | Palacio |
| 1965 | Criollo y Sabroso | Palacio |
| 1966 | Caracha Negro | Palacio |
| 1967 | Gaitas y Parrandas con Simón | Palacio |
| 1968 | Simón En Salsa... En Gaita | Palacio |
| 1969 | Simón' 69 | Palacio |
| 1970 | Gaita 70 | Palacio |
| 1971 | Simon 71 | Palacio |
| 1974 | Tonadas | Palacio |
| 1979 | Navidad Criolla con el Quinto Criollo | Palacio/Guarura |
| 1973 | La Gaita de las Cuñas: El Candidato Chévere ¡Vota por Él! | Palacio/H.B |
| 1974 | Las Gaitas de Simón: Enemigo Público N°1 | Palacio/H.B |
| 1975 | Las Gaitas de Simón: Culpable? | Palacio/H.B |
| 1976 | Tonadas Vol.2 | Palacio |
| 1977 | Las Gaitas de Simón | Palacio/H.B |
| 1978 | Canciones Criollas Vol.3 | Palacio |
| 1978 | Canciones y Tonadas Vol.4 | Palacio |
| 1980 | Golpe y Pasaje: Caballo Viejo | Palacio |
| 1993 | Amor Enguayabao | Palacio/Rodven |
Awards and Special Recognition
Simón Díaz received many important awards for his work. The Venezuelan government gave him its highest honor, "The Great Ribbon of the Liberator's Order." He also received special honorary degrees from two big universities in Venezuela.
On September 30, 2008, the Latin Grammy Awards announced a very special honor for Simón Díaz. He received the Latin Recording Academy Trustees Award. This award celebrates people who have made a big difference in music. The famous Venezuelan salsa singer Oscar D'León presented him with this award.
Images for kids
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Simón Díaz in 2005
See also
In Spanish: Simón Díaz para niños
