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Venezuelan singer-songwriter Simón Díaz in Boston, 2005 by Wladimir Labeikovsky –

Top 9 Facts About Simon Diaz

Simon Diaz is a legendary Venezuelan singer, and songwriter. No matter who you ask, if they are familiar with his work, they’ll definitely describe him as a true icon of Latin American folk music.

Despite his music being primarily focused on Venezuelan folk and traditional music, he managed to capture the hearts of people from all over the world. Diaz’s voice is rich, soulful, and captivating, with a unique ability to convey the essence of Venezuela’s cultural heritage through his music.

His songs have a nostalgic feel to them, evoking memories of a bygone era and transporting the listener to the heart of Venezuela’s natural beauty and its people’s spirit. This article will look at some facts about the life and career of Venezuelan great, Simón Narciso Díaz Márquez.

1. Born in 1928

Sofia Rei on stage with a Cuatro guitar (much like the one Díaz played)  by Schorle –

Simón Narciso Díaz Márquez was born on August 8, 1928, in the state of Aragua in Venezuela. Born in a family of musicians, Diaz was the fourth in a family of 8 children.

His father played the cuatro, a small guitar-like instrument, and his mother sang and played the maracas. Growing up around music, these early experiences greatly influenced his fate, leading him to become one of the most beloved folk musicians in Venezuela’s history.

2. Nicknamed “El Tío Simón”

Early in his life, Diaz was nicknamed “Tío Simón”. The name translates to “Uncle Simon” in English. As his musical prowess impressed a group of friends, they began addressing him as ” Tío” as a way of acknowledging his skill.

The name caught on quickly and he became known to everyone as “El Tío Simón” once the moniker stuck. The name is used frequently and openly by admiring fans, friends, and even other performers.

3. He Began His Career in the 1940s

Born and raised in a family of musicians, it was no surprise that Simon took up music at a young age. His father introduced him to the cuatro, a small Venezuelan guitar.

As Diaz grew, so did his passion for music. He started out his career by performing in different local festivals and gatherings before he started writing his own songs.

It was not until he was 18 years old (1946), that he wrote his first hit song “Caballo Viejo,” which went on to become one of his most popular and iconic songs. This was only the beginning as he went on to become one of the most influential and celebrated folk musicians in Venezuela and beyond.

4. He Produced Mostly Venezuelan Folk Music

Girls dancing Joropo at the Warairarepano National Park, Caracas by Maor X –

Diaz was a very diverse musician. However, like most, he had a preference or as some might call it, a specialty. This was Venezuelan folk music specifically a genre known as “joropo.”

According to him, this was the genre that truly represented the culture and traditions of his homeland. Many of his songs are in this genre including “Caballo Viejo,” also known as “Bamboleo.”

However, Diaz was not a one-trick pony, not by a long shot! He also dabbled in other genres, including salsa and jazz. However, he once joked in an interview that he preferred folk music because he couldn’t dance salsa very well!

5. Composed Music for Venezuela’s Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair

By 1964, Diaz had grown his brand and was recognized internationally. This often gave him invitations to play at the world arena.

One of these invitations was for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, where he showcased his music to the world. He prepared an album of traditional Venezuelan songs for the occasion, including his most famous song “Caballo Viejo.”

The reception to his performance was overwhelmingly positive, and his music helped to introduce Venezuelan culture to a global audience. As you can imagine, this event catapulted his career, and he became a beloved figure in the Venezuelan music industry.

6. Had 4 Children

Family by Patricia Prudente on

Simon Diaz married Betty Vera in 1963. They had four children together: Bettsimar, Bettsy, Yordano, and Simon Jose.

Bettsimar Diaz, his eldest daughter, followed in her father’s footsteps and became a singer, while Yordano, his son, is a renowned Venezuelan singer and songwriter. All his children, continue to honor his contributions to the Venezuelan and Latin American music scene both directly and indirectly.

7. Award Winner

Throughout his illustrious career, Simon Diaz wrote and performed hundreds of songs. He grew his brand to international recognition and he got much-deserved recognition and appreciation for his efforts.

This appreciation came in the form of nominations for awards which he sometimes (severally), went on to win. Some of his notable awards include the National Prize for Culture in Venezuela, the Order of Francisco de Miranda, and the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Of all these awards, the Latin Grammy was perhaps the most prestigious one that he received, as it recognized his outstanding contributions to the music industry.

8. Passed Away In 2014

Simón Díaz by Ana Victoria Flamerich –

On February 19, 2014, in Caracas, Venezuela, Simon Diaz sadly passed away at the age of 85. The cause of his death was reported to be complications due to a respiratory infection.

His last piece of work was a collaboration with Franco De Vita on the song “Siempre Es Hoy.” His passing was met with widespread mourning from his fans in Venezuela and around the world. This is because he was regarded as a national treasure and a cultural icon of Latin American music.

9. A tribute Concert Was Held in His Honor

A portrait of Simon Diaz by HumbRios –

Following Diaz’s passing in 2014, a tribute concert was held in his honor. The concert was attended by various notable artists from Venezuela, including Franco De Vita, Ricardo Montaner, and Carlos Baute, among others. They performed some of his most iconic songs, including “Caballo Viejo” and “Tonada de Luna Llena.”

The event was a celebration of his life and music, highlighting the influence he had on Venezuelan culture and its residents. It served as a poignant reminder of his continuing influence and the crucial part he played in defining the nation’s cultural identity.