Venezuelan musician Simón Narciso Díaz Márquez has passed away on Wednesday morning in Caracas, Venezuela at the age of 85. According to local daily, El Universal, the musician has been suffering from Alzheimers. The legend's death was confirmed by his daughter on Twitter. "With tears in my eyes I announce to the country that my beloved father passed away this morning, in peace," read the tweet by Bettsimar Díaz.
Born on August 9, 1928, Díaz had a flourishing career writing over 200 songs and recording 70 albums during his life. Perhaps one of his greatest musical contributions was reviving a traditional music style in Venezuela known as llanero. This traditional style of music uses instruments like a small harp, maracas, and a four-stringed guitar. Some of his famous songs included "Caballo Viejo" and "Bamboleo," both of which have been covered by famous Latino artists.
And he wasn't just a musician! The Associated Press reports that Díaz was an actor, a radio personality, a producer and a TV personality -- his most famous on screen part was on a cultural children's show called "Contesta Por Tío Simón." Suffice to say, Díaz greatly contributed to the Latino community and as such, he was honored in the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards. Despite passing away, Díaz will always be remembered for his contributions to Latino music and his poetic lyrics.
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