Símon Diaz, a Venezuelan music icon, passes away at age 85

Simón Díaz, one of the preeminent musicians in Venezuelan history, passed away Wednesday at his home in Caracas. He was 85 and had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for some time.

"With tears I announce to the country that my beloved father departed this morning in peace," tweeted his daughter, Bettismar Díaz.

The performer was a record-making machine, turning out more than 70 albums during his lifetime. Topping any list of songs or biography of Díaz is his 1980 hit "Caballo Viejo." The track became hit across many international members of the Latin music scene, including Julio Iglesias, Ruben Blades and Placido Domingo. Accordingly, performers across a number of nationalities mourned his loss via Twitter.

"I like him a lot. He's had so much of an impact. He's one of my favorites!" said Willie Colón (translated from Spanish) on Twitter -a Puerto Rican trombone player and prominent member of the New York City label Fania during its heyday-with regard to Díaz's influence.

Jorge Drexler, a Uruguayan actor and musician, composed a poem on Twitter dedicated to Díaz.

"Moon, moon, moon, Take my hand in yours, Take me to where I can sing, Looking at you Simon Díaz."

"Simon Díaz, the greatest musical expression from Venezuela, went to heaven. Send your blessings to my country...it needs both," wrote salsa singer Víctor Manuelle. "I had the pleasure of meeting the teacher and interpret one of his beautiful canciones. Thank you Venezuela."