The Detroit-born singer’s official website has confirmed his passing on Tuesday. Although Rodriguez launched his career in 1967, he faced initial struggles to gain recognition in the US and was eventually dropped by his record label. Nevertheless, his music gradually garnered a devoted international following, particularly in South Africa and Australia, where his albums saw substantial sales and airplay.
Despite his popularity, little information was available about Rodriguez within the country, leading to false rumors suggesting his onstage death in the 1970s. Contrary to these rumors, Rodriguez was indeed alive and residing in Detroit, living a relatively obscure life while working in construction.
Rodriguez, with lyrics like “The system’s impending fall to a rebellious melody,” unintentionally became an emblem of the anti-Apartheid movement in the 1970s, while his albums went unnoticed in his own country. The 2012 film “Searching for Sugar Man,” directed by the late Malik Bendjelloul, tracked the quest for Rodriguez. Garnering an Oscar for Best Documentary the next year, the movie propelled Rodriguez from obscurity to newfound prominence. Bendjelloul admired the narrative of an anonymous Detroit construction worker, oblivious to his Elvis-level fame elsewhere.
The documentary’s title was inspired by Rodriguez’s song “Sugar Man,” depicting a drug dealer. Despite initial reluctance for attention, Rodriguez’s music co-producer, Mike Theodore, mentioned his focus was on his message, not the spotlight. Reports from last year indicated that Rodriguez, now blind, had ceased making music but still resided in his Detroit home.