Rodriguez, the singer-songwriter whose improbable career became the focus of the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man,” has passed away at the age of 81. His official website announced the news without disclosing the cause of death. The statement expressed, “With deep sorrow, we convey that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, also known as Rodriguez, passed away today.” The heartfelt condolences were extended to his daughters and family. Rodriguez was 81 years old. May his soul rest in peace.
Born in Michigan, the musician encountered challenges in selling his initial albums in the US during the 1970s, leading him to transition to manual labor. However, his music gained unexpected popularity in regions such as Botswana, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
His cult following in Australia prompted a tour in 1979, and in South Africa, a compilation album achieved platinum status amidst rumors of his demise.
It wasn’t until 1997 that he learned about his fame in South Africa, thanks to his daughter’s online discovery. This led to his tour in the country. Subsequent recognition followed when Paolo Nutini and the South African band Just Jinger covered his song “Sugar Man.” The original track was also sampled by Nas.
His life became the focal point of the 2012 documentary “Searching for Sugar Man,” premiering at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. The film, directed by Swedish filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul, chronicles his life and the quest to find him. The documentary’s success propelled Rodriguez’s albums onto the US charts for the first time.
Reflecting on his journey, Rodriguez shared in a 2008 interview, “It’s been an incredible journey. All those years, I always saw myself as a musician. But reality had different plans.”