Rodriguez, a Detroit musician known for his protest songs and gritty urban imagery, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81. Despite failing to gain popularity in America during the 1970s, his music resonated with audiences in Australia and South Africa, leading to a late-career resurgence. His story, depicted in the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” in 2012, showcased his journey filled with untapped talent, missed opportunities, and an unlikely comeback.
Born Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, the artist performed in Detroit bars in the late 1960s and was eventually signed by producer Harry Balk. Rodriguez’s music, reminiscent of Bob Dylan, captivated listeners with its thought-provoking lyrics. However, his albums, such as “Cold Fact” (1970) and “Coming From Reality” (1971), failed to gain traction in the United States. Despite this, he developed a following in Australia and South Africa, where his music became a significant part of the soundtrack of people’s lives.
After settling into a life as a laborer and office worker in Detroit, Rodriguez discovered his international fanbase. Invited to tour Australia in 1979, he later returned in 1981 for shows with Midnight Oil and released a live album. However, it was South Africa where his music found an even larger following. In a country still under apartheid, Rodriguez’s anti-establishment messages resonated with white South Africans seeking change.
In the mid-1990s, music enthusiast Stephen Segerman began searching for information about Rodriguez’s whereabouts and discovered the artist still living in Detroit. This led to a successful tour of South Africa in 1998 and subsequent shows in other countries. Rodriguez’s albums were re-released in the United States in 2008 and 2009, sparking another wave of rediscovery.
The release of the documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” in 2012 brought further recognition to Rodriguez. Following its success, he embarked on a new era of touring and continued to captivate audiences. Matt Sullivan, founder of Light in the Attic Records, described Rodriguez’s music as brutally honest and soul-stirring.
Despite his rollercoaster career, Rodriguez remained grounded and appreciative of his unconventional path. He embraced his experience and the authenticity of his music, finding solace in the reality he had lived. Sixto Diaz Rodriguez will be remembered for his poetic lyrics, powerful storytelling, and ability to inspire audiences around the world.
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