Oscar D'Leon, Latin jazz Artist
This Venezuelan born Latin artist affectionately known as “El Sonero del Mundo” is well known internationally, and is considered to be one of the great Salsa singers of all time. He has recorded over 60-albums in his career, and has worked with world renowned Latin jazz artists such as Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval and Celia Cruz to name a few. Meet – Oscar D’León
Born in Caracas, Venezuela
Genre: Salsa
Reaping a crop of great success and awards worldwide, Venezuelan singer Oscar D’ León is one of the most prominent authors and performers of salsa and Caribbean music. His musical career spans a trajectory of more than thirty years, recording over fifty albums inspired mainly by Benny Moré and Cuban sounds.
As a result of his long and successful musical career, Oscar D’ León received the Award of Excellence from the Recording Latin Academy, which he dedicated to his country: “I dedicate this to Venezuela because I am the son of that beautiful land”.
His name is Oscar Emilio León Somoza. He was born on July 11, 1943 in Caracas, Venezuela, blessing the home of Carmen Dionisia Somoza and Justo León, who were able to sense in what he would become, given his interest in Caribbean music since he was a child.
Due to his outgoing and enthusiastic personality, Oscar has received a number of nicknames his fans immediately recognize, such as: “El Diablo de la Salsa” , “El Bajo Danzante”, “El Coloso de la Salsa”, “El León” , “El Sonero Mayor”, “El Sonero del Mundo” and the “Faraón de la Salsa”, amongst others.
Throughout his musical career, Oscar D’ León has recorded over 60 albums; one of which is “El Sonero del mundo” produced by Willy Chirino and nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997. He has won many gold records and starting in 1998, every March 15th, the City of New York celebrates in his honor the Oscar D’ León day.
Biographical information courtesy of Oscar D’Leon; for more reading see link below.