CARACAS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelans on Wednesday mourned the death of beloved singer and songwriter Simon Diaz, who was 85.

The Grammy Award winner, who died earlier in the day, was best known for his 1980 hit "Caballo Viejo" (Old Horse), a folk song that has over the years been recorded by a long line of famed Latin singers, including Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz and Oscar D'Leon.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for three days of mourning in honor of the well-known composer, Information Minister Delcy Rodriguez announced on Twitter.

Diaz, who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Latin Grammys, was born in northern Aragua state on Aug. 8, 1928.

His most famous songs include Luna de Margarita, La Vaca Mariposa, Tonada de Luna Llena and, of course, Caballo Viejo, which has been translated into 12 languages.