Detroit Folk Legend Sixto Rodriguez Death New Discovery On The Cause Of Death
Detroit Folk Legend Sixto Rodriguez Death New Discovery On The Cause Of Death. In a poignant moment for the music world, Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, the enigmatic singer-songwriter known by his surname, has passed away at the age of 81. Rodriguez’s journey from obscurity to international recognition, fueled by the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man,” has left an indelible mark on the history of rock music. Join our website loptiengtrungtaivinh.edu.vn to learn about the cause of his death.

I. Biography of Detroit Folk Legend Sixto Rodriguez
1. Background information

- Birth name: Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
- Also known as: Rod RiguezSixth PrinceJesús Rodríguez
- Born: July 10, 1942 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
- Died: August 8, 2023 (aged 81)
- Genres: Folk rockpsychedelic folkpsychedelic rock
- Occupations: Singer-songwriter, guitarist
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar
- Years active: 1967–1973, 1998–2023
- Labels: SussexRCAImpactLight in the Attic
- Website: sugarman.org
2. Early Life
- Sixto Diaz Rodriguez was born on July 10, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the sixth child of Mexican immigrant working-class parents.
- His father had immigrated from Mexico in the 1920s, and his mother was Native American.
- Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Philosophy from Wayne State University’s Monteith College in 1981.
3. Recording Career
- In 1967, under the name “Rod Riguez,” he released a single called “I’ll Slip Away” on the Impact label.
- After a three-year hiatus, he signed with Sussex Records, releasing two albums: “Cold Fact” in 1970 and “Coming from Reality” in 1971.
- Despite his talent, these albums didn’t gain much recognition in the US and he was dropped by Sussex Records.
- He was in the process of recording a third album at the time of being dropped, which was never released.

4. Post-Music Career
- Rodriguez quit his music career and bought a derelict house in Detroit in 1976 for $50.
- He worked various low-income jobs, such as demolition and production line work, while staying politically active and involved in improving the lives of Detroit’s working-class residents.
- He made unsuccessful attempts at various public offices, including the Detroit City Council, Mayor of Detroit, and the Michigan House of Representatives.
5. Rediscovery and Revival
- In the 1990s, determined South African fans managed to locate and contact Rodriguez, leading to a revival of his musical career.
- This revival was chronicled in the 2012 Academy Award-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.”
- Rodriguez’s music gained recognition in South Africa, where he was rumored to have sold more records than Elvis Presley.
- His story garnered fame in his home country as well.
6. Later Life and Legacy
- Rodriguez continued to live a simple life in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood, occasionally performing live shows at local bars like the Old Miami pub.
- In May 2013, he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Wayne State University.
II. New Discovery On The Cause Of Death
1. Confirmation and Reflections
- The news of Rodriguez’s passing was confirmed by Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, the curator of Rodriguez’s official blog and website, SugarMan.org.
- In a conversation with News24, Sugar shared that Rodriguez’s daughter, Sandra, verified his passing on August 8th at 17:30 in Detroit, his beloved hometown.
2. A Tale of Resurgence
- Rodriguez’s story is one of resilience and rediscovery.
- After years of obscurity, the documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” shed light on his profound influence across distant shores.
- His resurgence was not without challenges, as he battled illness, including a stroke that had a significant impact on his health before his passing.

III. Birthday Celebration Turned Tribute
1. Gathering into a bittersweet farewell
- Rodriguez celebrated his 81st birthday in the company of fellow musicians in Detroit, the city that shaped his musical journey.
- However, the toll of time was evident, turning the celebratory gathering into a bittersweet farewell.
- The event evolved into a touching tribute concert, honoring the man whose music had touched so many hearts.
2. Digital Memorial and Global Impact
- As fans grapple with Rodriguez’s departure, they are encouraged to share their tributes and memories on the SugarMan.org Facebook page.
- This digital space serves as a testament to the global impact of Rodriguez’s music, which resonated deeply with audiences around the world.
3. A Heartfelt Homage
- SugarMan.org paid its respects to Rodriguez through a poignant social media post, quoting lyrics from his “Coming to Reality” album.
- The message extended condolences to Rodriguez’s family, particularly his daughters – Sandra, Eva, and Regan – as they navigate this loss, wishing for Rodriguez’s soul to find eternal rest.

IV. Frequently asked questions
1. How did they find Rodriguez?
Sixto Rodriguez had no idea he was a legend there until a group of fans found him on the Internet and brought him to the country for a series of triumphant concerts. But while Searching for Sugar Man (soundtrack and DVD now available) is a fantastic film, it only grazes the surface of Rodriguez’s life story.
2. Did Sixto Rodriguez get paid?
Sugar Man’ Sixto Rodriguez wins battle for royalties payout … Now, ahead of his 80th birthday next month, we can reveal that Rodriguez has finally been paid the royalties he was owed and – after decades of living hand to mouth – he has made enough money to retire. But he still lives in the same modest house in Detroit and refuses to let his fame go to his head.
3. What happened to Rodriguez royalties?
Sugar Man’ Sixto Rodriguez finally gets his royalties after … The success of the documentary helped Rodriguez get the recognition he deserved. A lawsuit was filed in the US and a court found he was owed royalties and a settlement was agreed on Sergerman told Mirror UK. Rodriguez will be paid out, just in time for his 80th birthday.
4. Is Searching for Sugar Man Based on a true story?
The quest to find Rodriguez and tell his story led to “Searching For Sugar Man,” which unfurled more like a detective story than a documentary. “This was the greatest, the most amazing, true story I’d ever heard, an almost archetypal fairy tale,” Bendjelloul told the New York Times in 2012.
5. How long was Rodriguez in jail?
After his capture in 1995, Rodriguez Orejuela was sentenced to 15 years in prison in Colombia, but was released after only seven. He was then arrested again in 2003 and held in a Colombian prison until being extradited to the United States in December 2004. “We were very sad to learn about his passing last night.
V. Rodriguez’s Tale: Forever Immortalized
- Rodriguez’s journey invites us to dig deeper, beyond the surface, to unearth hidden talents, stories, and dreams within our own lives.
- As the world mourns the physical loss of Rodriguez, his story lives on, etched into the collective memory of music enthusiasts.
- His journey exemplifies the human spirit’s ability to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness, leaving a trail of inspiration that will guide countless souls on their own artistic odysseys.
