Sixto Rodriguez, the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Searching For Sugar Man,’ has died aged 81

Sixto Rodriguez, the enigmatic singer-songwriter who saw a career resurgence after the release of the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching For Sugar Man,” has died aged 81. The American singer's death was confirmed by his granddaughter Amanda Kennedy on Wednesday after being posted to the website a day earlier - he died in Detroit following a short illness, according to his wife, Konny Rodriguez, 72, but a cause of death has not yet been announced.

Born on July 10, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, Rodriguez was raised in a working-class family of Mexican heritage and displayed an early interest in music and learned to play the guitar. In the 1960s, he began writing and performing folk and rock music with introspective and socially conscious themes.

Rodriguez released his debut album, "Cold Fact," in 1970 which blended folk, rock, and psychedelic influences with his soulful vocals and poignant lyrics resonating with listeners. Despite critical acclaim, "Cold Fact" failed to find a substantial audience in the United States but developed a cult following in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, where his songs like "Sugar Man" and "I Wonder" struck a chord with young audiences.

Despite his obvious talent, Rodriguez's career failed to gain momentum in his home country, and he was dropped by his record label after his second album, "Coming from Reality" (also known as "After the Fact"). Rodriguez gradually faded into relative obscurity, working in various labour-intensive jobs to support his family. But in the late 1990s, a group of South African fans set out on a mission to uncover the truth about Rodriguez's fate, as rumours circulated that he had died by suicide on stage. 

Their efforts led to the discovery that Rodriguez was alive and well, and they managed to bring him to South Africa for a series of concerts in 1998. The success of these concerts marked a resurgence of interest in his music, but the release of the documentary "Searching for Sugar Man," released in 2012, directed by Malik Bendjelloul, explored Rodriguez's life and the impact his music had on fans in South Africa brought a new, and more importantly, larger audience to his work. 

Following the release of "Searching for Sugar Man," Rodriguez's music experienced a resurgence in popularity and with his albums reissued, he began performing to sold-out audiences around the world. Though he only ever released three studio albums, there have been countless compilations and bootleg recordings of his live performances, which continue to celebrate his rise to cult status after being dropped from his label.

Where can I watch “Searching for Sugar Man”?

‘Searching for Sugar Man’ is currently streaming on Sky Documentaries and can be streamed on demand through your Sky TV subscription or through NOW TV.

It is also available for purchase through AppleTV+ for the fee of £3.49