The legendary Detroit singer-songwriter and musician, known best mononymously as Rodriguez, passed away on Tuesday (August 8). No cause of death was provided.
His passing was confirmed by his daughter, Regan, and his official website, which announced the news with a statement:
"It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away earlier today. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters – Sandra, Eva and Regan – and to all his family. Rodriguez was 81 years old. May His Dear Soul Rest In Peace."
After launching his career in the US in 1967, he released his debut album, 'Cold Fact', in 1970 through the independent Los Angeles label Sussex Records. That LP and its follow-up, 'Coming From Reality', were both commercial failures, and by December 1971 Rodriguez had been dropped by Sussex.
Having vanished from the music scene for nearly 30 years, he would eventually find huge success overseas, particularly Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where his anti-establishment songs resonated during the apartheid era.
Unbeknownst to him, Rodriguez hit levels of superstardom in South Africa, though rumours had circulated across the country for years that he'd died. In the late '90s, after two South African fans found out he was still alive and living in the United States, he was brought to South Africa as a hero to play six sold-out concerts.
His cult popularity led to him becoming the subject of a 2012 Oscar-winning documentary, Searching For Sugar Man, directed by Malik Bendjelloul.
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