Oscar D’León Biography: Wife, Ethnicity, Songs, Height, Net Worth, Age, Album, Children

Óscar Emilio León Simosa, known professionally as Oscar D’León, is a Venezuelan salsa musician, bassist, and singer widely celebrated as one of the genre’s greatest performers, earning nicknames like El Sonero del Mundo, El León de la Salsa, and El Faraón de la Salsa.

His energetic style and hits such as “Llorarás” propelled him to international fame, with a career marked by founding influential groups and solo success that spread salsa across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Profile

• Full Name: Óscar Emilio León Simosa
• Stage Name: Oscar D’León
• Born: 11, July 1943
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela
• Nationality: Venezuelan
• Occupation: Musician, Singer, Bassist
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Justo León, Carmen Dionisia Simoza
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Jimmy D’León, Yorman D’León, Omslig D’León, Richard D’León, Irosca D’León, Adiaroz D’León
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Óscar Emilio León Simosa was born on July 11, 1943, in the Antímano parish of Caracas, Venezuela. Raised by his parents, Justo León, a cemetery laborer, and Carmen Dionisia Simoza, he developed a deep passion for music from childhood, improvising rhythms and bass lines vocally while tapping on surfaces, often getting into trouble at school for it.

No public details are available about siblings. His formal education was limited, as he left studies early to work as a mechanic, taxi driver, and topographer before pursuing music full-time; he is entirely self-taught in his craft.

Ethnicity is Venezuelan with Afro-Caribbean influences, and religion is not publicly emphasized.

Career

Oscar D’León began his career working daytime jobs as an auto mechanic and taxi driver while playing bass in local bands at night.

In 1972, he co-founded Dimensión Latina, serving as bassist and vocalist, and achieved early breakthroughs with hits like “Llorarás” in 1974 and “Pensando en Ti,” establishing the group as a salsa powerhouse in Venezuela and the Caribbean.

D’León left Dimensión Latina in 1976 to form La Salsa Mayor, followed by La Crítica in 1978, alternating between orchestras to maintain momentum.

His solo trajectory exploded with infectious tracks, international tours, and collaborations, becoming the first Latino signed to the BBC and performing in diverse markets like Japan and Spain.

Albums during this era solidified his reputation for blending traditional Cuban son with modern salsa energy.

Oscar D’León has sustained a prolific output with dozens of albums, Grammy nominations, and Latin Grammy wins, including recognition for musical excellence.

His dynamic live shows and improvisational sonero style have influenced generations, while ventures into charity and global festivals underscore his enduring role in promoting salsa worldwide.

Social Media

• Facebook Handle: Oscar D’León

Personal Life

Oscar D’León has been married for decades, though his wife’s name remains private, and the couple raised six children: sons Jimmy, Yorman, Omslig, and Richard, and daughters Irosca and Adiaroz, several of whom pursued musical paths.

He maintains a family-oriented life alongside his career, with past involvement in charity work, including support for displaced people in Colombia and ambassadorship for Operation Smile.

Discography

• Llorarás (1974)
• Con Bajo y Todo (1976)
• Oscar D’León y Su Salsa Mayor (1978)
• El Más Grande (1979)
• El Oscar de la Salsa (1977)

Net Worth

Oscar D’León has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His primary sources of income include a decades-long career in live performances and tours, album sales and royalties from over 50 recordings, international syndication of hits, and collaborations across salsa and Latin music.