While he was long forgotten in the US, Rodriguez was unwittingly achieving mythical status in South Africa. Decades later, he tells Fiona Shepherd about fame after 40 years in the wilderness
IN THE internet age, it seems inconceivable that an artist could be unaware of their own success or that fans would have no idea if their favourite singer was alive or dead. Nowadays you have to work pretty hard to be an enigma and, conversely, even the most neglected musician would struggle to languish in complete obscurity.
Which makes the tale of a Detroit protest singer who scraped a living in the United States while his music was providing hope to tens of thousands in apartheid-era South Africa sound all the more romantic. “It’s been described as a rock’n’roll fairytale,” says the protagonist, one Sixto Diaz Rodriguez.
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Just watched “Searching for Sugarman” for the 4th time. One can never tire of Sixto Rodriguez, a true legend. His story brings tears of joy to my soul. Thank goodness to the great journalists in South Africa who brought him back to his natural place in life. And thank you Rodriguez for leaving us your music that will live forever. RIP❤️🌟❤️
You cannot keep a good man down… And Rodriguez is the best! As a musician he is unique and one of the most humble and kind-hearted people alive.
The “sweetest kiss I ever got” was discovering you Rodriguez!!! Thank you for your patience with us Americans—I’ll keep spreading your music to all I know. Your dues, you’ve paid, now you will be rewarded. Can’t wait to see you live.
So thrilled that Mr. Rodriguez finally gets the credit and experiences his fans appreciation of his talent and endurance. Thank you Steve Segerman, Malik Bendjelloul and all of the producers of Searching for Sugarman!