Venezuelan folk singer Simon Diaz, 85, dies
In this April 19, 2005 file photo,Venezuelan folk musician Simon Diaz listens during an interview in New York. According to his daughter Bettsimar Diaz, the 85-year-old musician, actor and director died after a long undisclosed illness in Caracas, Venezuela on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. Credit: AP/ Bebeto Matthews
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuelan folk singer-songwriter Simon Diaz has died at age 85, prompting an outpouring of mourning in the country that considered the man known as "Uncle Simon" to be a national treasure.
His daughter Bettsimar Diaz confirmed his death on Twitter, but gave no details.
Diaz's most performed song is "Caballo Viejo" ("Old Horse"). It was one of more than 200 songs he composed while recording 70 albums. He hosted a children's TV show and appeared in films.
Both the government and its opponents in the bitterly divided nation paid homage. Education Minister Hector Rodriguez said a song in honor of Diaz was to be performed in all Venezuelan schools Thursday. -- AP
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