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Simón Díaz facts for kids

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Simón Díaz
Simón Díaz en Boston.jpg
Simón Díaz in 2005
Background information
Birth name Simón Narciso Díaz Márquez
Born (1928-08-08)August 8, 1928
Barbacoas, Aragua, Venezuela
Died February 19, 2014(2014-02-19) (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).

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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Simón Díaz para niños

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