Montevideo, October 31 (RHC)-- Uruguayan singer Daniel Viglietti died on Monday in Montevideo, due to complications from surgery.  The renowned artist's death came as a surprise for everyone, including his sister, according to composer Ruben Olivera. 

The 78-year-old singer and songwriter led a generation of great Uruguayan musicians and performers who emerged in the 1960s in creating a unique sound for the era. 

Along with musicians such as Alfredo Zitarrosa and Los Olimarenos, he introduced what became known as the "Popular Uruguayan Song" which was itself linked to the widely popular "Nueva Cancion" -- both a genre and a movement. 

Throughout his life, Viglietti remained committed to several notable causes and was favored among thousands of Latin Americans and European alike.  Among his admirers was famous intellectual Jean-Paul Sartre. 

In 1972, the singer was jailed for opposing military rule in Uruguay. 

Among his best-known compositions are "A Desalambrar," "Cancion Para Mi America," "Milonga de Andar Lejos" and "Gurisito."