I’m Obsessed with Rodriguez
If you haven’t seen the documentary, “Searching for Sugar Man,” I suggest you scoot along and pick yourself up a copy, go down to the art house and watch it, if it’s still playing, or maybe see if you can find it on pay-per view. Whatever. Just see it.
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll keep this brief. In the early 1970’s a man by the name of Sixto Rodriguez was living in Detroit working construction by day and writing folksy songs in his free time. A couple of music executives heard him, were blown away by his raw talent and music, and gave him a shot at a recording career. He completed two albums that were not well received, and by, “not well received,” I mean, he might have sold six copies. His career went nowhere fast. That’s only where the story begins. Sixto Rodriguez happily went back to his life as a construction worker.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Rodriguez, his music, in the form of a single copy, miraculously found it’s way down to South Africa. He quickly became a pop icon as big, or bigger, than Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. Β In South Africa his music was played underground because it spoke of freedoms and politics that they were not yet enjoying at that point. Eventually his songs would spark the movement that would help end apartheid. That’s right, he was instrumental in ending apartheid. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the significance of his music and the fact that he had NO IDEA what was happening on a continent, and in a country, so far away from his Detroit.
I’m obsessed with this story – there’s more to it, but it’s better if you watch it unfold yourselves. Β I’m so obsessed with his music. I literally haven’t stopped playing it since I watched the film last week. Mostly, I’m obsessed with the man himself. You can’t believe how totally pure and humble this man is. The qualities that he embodies are not just admirable but perhaps divine. There’s something strangely eternal about him. He seems wise beyond this world. He took his life, where he was a lowly worker, taking on jobs that no one else would sign up for, surviving in a harsh, dismal world, and created something beautiful that had the power to transform lives, even a whole country. To me he exudes the potential of the human spirit that we all have, but rarely, if ever, live up to. To me, he is a marvel. I’m better for having been introduced to his life. I know, powerful, right?
I said recently in a comment on Harper Faulkner’s post, regarding Anne Frank, that I believe God chooses the meek and mild to get His work done, to move things and help make needed changes. I think Sixto Rodriguez falls into this category very nicely.
That does sound pretty remarkable and something worth watching. Didn’t Lily mention this? You did it better justice.
This gives me hope that I’m really popular in some other country.
Haha! Thanks, Tim. Watch it. You won’t be sorry. I think the story is amazing.
I’ve been dying to see this, but then forget when we finally get a movie. I’ll add it to the list now. Thanks Lisa.
I think you’ll really like it. I was amazed with the story.
I’ve added it to Netflix, but I may try and see it sooner… thanks again!
I saw this on 60 minutes or another similar show. Amazing story!
It is! If you haven’t listened to the soundtrack I would give it two thumbs up. I’m really addicted to his music. I can see why he caught on in South Africa, but I can’t figure out why he fell flat in the states? Strange, right?
Fascinating… I will check it out!
It’s a gem of a story.
I agree with Tim that you did this story better justice than I did. I love Rodriguez too. He’s the kindest best person ever.
He is the kindest best person ever. Agree. I loved what you wrote and wouldn’t be so high on this film if not for you. I think each of us touched on a different part, maybe?
I’ll be looking for the movie based on this–thanks for the heads up!
It’s his character that makes the story amazing.
I’m going to have to check this out. This is the second or third time he’s been mentioned to me this week
I think you’ll love it, Guapo. It’s who he is as a man that I find so intriguing. His talent just pours out of him without any desire for fame or fortune. Pretty incredible.
This was so interesting..and I love your last paragraph π
Thanks! That last bit is my favorite part, too. I like to look at things from an eternal perspective. The man and the story seem bigger than what meets the eye. π
yes I love hearing stories like his…agreed way bigger π
I wiil look for it for sure!
I hope I’m not blowing it up out of proportion. I just find the story quite miraculous and his character so intriguing. I used the word “pure,” but maybe “honest” is even better. I guess I love anyone who creates so effortlessly, not because their ego needs attention, but because their person can’t be separated from their art, it’s who they are, it’s their oxygen, it defines them. It’s a rare breed of person.
Have a beautiful day, Lanier!
Lisa
You know he’s still touring and will be in Denver in April..here is a performance from 3 yrs ago.. He is almost 70, looks 50..it’s because he lived his life so honestly & purely.. Thank you so much for introducing to me:
I meant to add.. the young man that made the documentary, filmed almost all of it with his iphone π
I thought of you when I watched this because Rodriguez seems to be a purist with zero ego. He lives his life on another plane – a higher one that is beyond honest. It’s inspiring. He’s someone I can point to and say, he “lives in the world, but is not OF the world.” Clearly, this is the case. He’s a rare breed. So refreshing in his lifestyle. This is what it looks like to live without an ego. The idea that he went back to Detroit and continued to work at construction after having been exposed to what could have been a very plush life… I just found amazing.
So here’s this guy with all these wonderful qualities that seem transcendent, so of course, I thought of you, Lynne. I know you get it — traveling on a higher plane. I knew you’d appreciate it in a way others might not be able to. π
All on his iPhone! WOW! I think I want to make documentaries. I seriously do.
Have a great weekend!!
Lisa
xoxo
he truly is an example of what it means to be a truly, fine human being. Ego is so removed from his being it does not even register in his brain. i have watched the DVD 2 times and more inspired each time.
I’ll mail it back this week so email your addy.. sorry, I tossed the package..i get excited like that .tee-hee π
That was a gift, Lynne. I don’t want it back! I knew you’d ‘get it’ it because I see some of the same qualities in you. You’re a “fine human being,” in my estimation.
It made me happy to share that with you.
That’s all. Put it on your shelf and if you hear one of his songs one day, you’ll think of our cyber friendship. π
Lots of love,
xoxox
Lisa
I’ve heard of him — I’m putting this on my movie list. Thanks for the recommendation. Good post!
Oh, you’ll really like it, Sandee. I know you will.
Thanks for this, Lisa. I will definitely look for it on the internet.
It’s a great story, I think you’ll like it, Yaz.
Amazing story. When we flip a pebble into the sea, we often have no idea how far or how strongly the ripples will spread.
He certainly had no clue that he was an music icon! It’s true that our pebbles can ripple far and wide – simply amazing. Thanks!
This is the beauty of blogging. Thank you for sharing this. I will watch the documentary.
It’s really quite a story. I think you’ll find that his character is without any ego. It’s so inspiring. I just can’t believe that he had no idea that he was a music icon! Amazing.
I”ll check it out when it gets on DVD– can’t wait to hear the music
It’s cool. He has a unique little style – there’s some 70’s horns on some of the songs (not my favorite) but his lyrics stand up. He sounds like Bob Dylan with a better voice, maybe with some Neil Diamond thrown in. Just listen a few times because it grows on you. It’s on DVD so maybe you can find it?
I totally agree with you on the Neil diamond!! I went to iTunes. They sell the soundtrack
These are the songs I love:
Like Janis
Inner City Blues
I Wonder
Crucify your Mind
I downloaded it and going to listen on my driven this morning. Thanks Gripster
I would add Glen Campbell to the artists with some similarity to Rodriguez. Check out the low-twangy guitar sound in Crucify Your Mind for an example. Great music.
How did I miss your post? I was a huge fan in the 70’s, and like everyone in South Africa, thought he was long dead. His “come back” has been thrilling and so well deserved. To top it all, I saw him Live in Concert last week in Johannesburg!
He is 71, stood and played his guitar for 2 hours, voice a little wavery and frail, but it was beyond fabulous! What a sweet, humble, gentle soul! I’m so happy he is getting the recognition he deserved so long ago!
I can’t believe no one over here, knew anything about him and over there he was an icon! The story is amazing to me. He seems like such a kind soul. I was hoping you would read this post, Charlene. I’d love to see him play in concert. I’m so happy that you had that chance recently. He must be on cloud nine, a second life for him. It just goes to show you, life is not over until it’s over. π
At least it’s a positive story to post π
Hope you’re having a beautiful day, friend!
Lisa
Xoxo
Well I definitely have to watch this documentary. I just got done watching some stuff about him on YouTube! I’ll definitely keep my eye open for it!! And because it comes so highly recommended by you, Lisa, I know it will be a memorable experience when I watch it! π
I think Rodriguez the man is soo fascinating. He’s so kind and humble and really gentle. You couldn’t wish this kind of success on a nicer person. It’s an incredible story.
This sounds cool. Thanks for mentioning it. I think I’ll have to check it out. π
I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s a great story that for me, came out of nowhere.
I cannot tell you how happy I am that you wrote about Rodriguez and I am so glad that the documentary won an Oscar on Sunday night — you describe him perfectly — a man who is so comfortable in his own skin, intelligent, and as you said, divine–and the way his kids talked about him and how he “educated” them in the arts and literature –I cannot say enough–and I am so not surprised that you would be the one to write about him, as you are always on top of things like this–things that matter.
I saw the documentary last weekend, but 60 Minutes did a piece on him not too long ago too
Forgive me for getting to this comment so late. I took some medicine and it made me loopy. I’ve been in bed most of the day. I’m so happy that you love Rodriguez, the story and the man, as much as I do. He’s a marvel to me — so humble and honest and pure in his motivations.
Lou Ann, your comment is so kind. I feel like such a hack when I post something, but I do try and write from my heart, so if that comes across I’m happy. Only a few people ‘get me.’ You’re one of them. π
you are by no means a hack, your posts are always enlightening– and come from the heart–I am surprised how much we have in common– and I have no trouble “getting you” at all–and I am going to drop the blog friend moniker–you are my friend friend
And you are mine. π
Have just stumbled upon your great blog. Loved reading what you wrote about Rodriguez. I attended one of his concerts in Jo’burg SA recently… what an awesome night with this legend! Us South Africans hold this man very close to our hearts. He is very, very special. Because you are so enthusiastic about Rodriguez I am going to attempt to obtain a copy of the Live Fact cd which was recorded during one of his Jo’burg concerts in 1997. Send me a postal address. Take care. Lorenda
It’s so hard for me to believe that Americans were in the dark with regard to Rodriguez and his wonderful music. I’m just happy that he was being loved and appreciated someplace where his music resonated. How wonderful to see him in concert!!! I can see why he is near and dear to your hearts. It’s a miraculous story. By the way, I was born in Jo’burg in 1962 π We only lived there for a few years but I do feel connected to South Africa. Yes, I do.
Thank you, Lorenda, for offering to send me the Live Fact cd! That would be amazing!! My email is lisagorelabute@aol.com. I will email my address to you. What a kind gesture π I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Lisa
Xoxo
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Australia discovered him before South Africa.
A handful of copies of Rodriguez’s 1970 debut LP, Cold Fact, reached Australia months after the album bombed in America. One wound up in the hands of Australian radio DJ Holger Brockman, who began playing “Sugar Man” on 2SM radio in Sydney. Record stores started selling Cold Fact for upwards of $300, and Blue Goose records eventually released it to huge sales all across the continent. “Every single one of my friends had Cold Fact,” says Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst. “We’d play Bruce Springsteen’s The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, Billy Joel’s first album and Cold Fact.”
By the late 1970s, Australian concert promoters tracked down Rodriguez in Detroit. He arrived in Australia with his two teenage daughters for a 15-date tour in early 1979. “He was just stunned by what we put together for him,” promoter Michael Coppel told Billboard at the time. “He had never played a concert before, just bars and clubs.” He played to 15,000 people in Sydney, almost as many fans as Rod Stewart drew a few weeks earlier. “The man himself seemed almost embarrassed onstage,” noted Billboard. “He spoke no more than a dozen short lines throughout each show. When returning to the stage for an encore at his first Sydney show, he mumbled emotionally to his audience, ‘Eight years later . . . and this happens. I don’t believe it.'”
A live album from the tour was released in 1981, right around the time he came back for a second tour. This time he shared the bill with Midnight Oil at some gigs. “I thought it was the highlight of my career,” Rodriguez says today. “I had achieved that epic mission. Not much happened after that. No calls or anything.”
He’s touring here next month, first time in 25 years.
This links to an album he recorded here in 1979 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga5aR0MwWOs