Sixto Rodriguez Passes Away, Aged 81

Folk-rock singer Sixto Rodriguez, the subject of the Searching For Sugar Man documentary that revived his career for new generations of listeners, passed away at 81.

Rodriguez passed away on Tuesday, 8 August, according to a new post on the artist’s website. “It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away earlier today,” the statement read. The cause of his death is unknown.

The statement continued, “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”.

Sixto Rodriguez found initial success in Australia, having toured here twice during the early stages of his career. Early success also followed him in New Zealand and South Africa before his career in the US took off.

Born on 10 July 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, Rodriguez recorded his first two albums, Cold Fact in 1970 and Coming From Reality in 1971.

He was recording a third album when he was dropped by the record label Sussex due to poor sales – Sussex closed in 1975. However, Cold Fact reached Platinum status in Australia, and the soundtrack to the Searching For Sugar Man documentary went Gold.

Known for his tracks Can’t Get Away and Street Boy, Rodriguez had an enigmatic presence for decades. He quit music in 1976 and pursued political opportunities, applying for the Detroit City Council in 1989, Mayor of Detroit twice, and the Michigan House of Representatives in 2000. He was unsuccessful.

After Searching For Sugar Man won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary and the Academy Award for Best Documentary in February 2013, Rodriguez experienced a renewed career resurgence, including belated success and TV slots in the US and UK.

Upon hearing the news about Rodriguez’s death, the director of the Searching For Sugar Man documentary, Simon Chinn, wrote on Twitter, “Such sad news. He was a true legend, and it was an honour to know him. What a privilege to be able to share his amazing story with the world. RIP Rodriguez - your music will live forever.”

British record label Rough Trade called Rodriguez “one of the greatest protest singers the world had never heard of,” while Brian Wilson wrote, “I’m so sorry to hear about Sixto Rodriguez. He toured with us in 2015, and he was a very talented and nice man. Love & Mercy to Sixto’s family and friends.”

Such sad news. He was a true legend, and it was an honour to know him. What a privilege to be able to share his amazing story with the world. RIP Rodriguez - your music will live forever.https://t.co/bwBRvhyg69

— Simon Chinn (@simonlchinn) August 9, 2023

The real deal.

RIP Sixto Rodriguez, one of the greatest protest singers the world had never heard of.

A legacy which remains rooted in truly beautiful music, and his powerful debut, 'Cold Fact'. A Rough Trade Essential album and now treasured classic. pic.twitter.com/qyWO7GwKyd

— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) August 9, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear about Sixto Rodriguez. He toured with us in 2015, and he was a very talented and nice man. Love & Mercy to Sixto’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Wcd8KxN8oH

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 9, 2023