Finding 'Sugar Man': Rodriguez Reflects on a Crazy Year with a Hollywood Ending

Musician Sixto Rodriguez shares what it was like to be the subject of Malik Bendjelloul's documentary.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Sixto Rodriguez (July 10, 1942 - August 8, 2023), aged 81 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@asmodeus0454]

Rodriguez's "Cold Fact" was hugely popular here in Australia in the 1970's. I cannot understand why this terribly talented man was so neglected in North America. Rodriguez was and is a brilliant musician and singer-songwriter with a great voice that is marvellously powerful but not harsh. His lyrics are intelligent and perceptive.

[@ungenx]

It could be racism among some oher things.

[@jvs333]

In the U.S. the 70s was disco, Nightclub culture. Hedonistic era

[@youknowwereouthere1640]

It was also because of his name

[@jvs333]

@@youknowwereouthere1640 I agree 100% “Rodriguez” was not as “cool” a Hispanic name as “Santana”. “Rodriguez” was TOO Mexican

[@alyssakeezer8681]

I’m from Detroit and just learned about him one day after his passing when a cool friend tagged me. Thankful he did. I’m so bummed I didn’t know of him. He got to meet him ten years ago -so lucky. This humble man was brilliant!❤

[@chrisbutler7143]

Grew up in SA, listened to Cold Fact every day after school, knew every word to every song. So, so glad that this wonderful, humble, massively talented man has finally got the recognition he deserves.

[@francoiswilliams]

Mooi man mooi

[@LilyGold]

That’s awesome 😎

[@whosaidcate4034]

Every time I listen to Cold Fact I’m still shocked that more people haven’t heard of this incredible artist’s music🤦‍♀️ I wish I had one word to describe what his music ( means to me-so powerful) but it’s worth so much more than just one word💙

[@thechamp263]

now that's "A COLD FACT" I agree Chris.....a humble and gifted poet.....in our home here in Toronto....he's a prophet. When music can teach peace to the entire world, it truly is our universal language.

[@zookuki]

SAAAAME! 🇿🇦🤘

[@rubytuesday5412]

I have to thank a boyfriend I had in the 80's for turning me onto Rodriguez. Listened to that Cold Fact tape out till it broke! Sugar Man...

[@keyvet]

Dear interviewer, I appreciate your courteousness during this interview. Most interviewers do not have this quality nowadays.

[@martinkotze7258]

And now, he has gone to rest. Thanks for your time, Legend.

[@Kimo9126]

43 years later here he is.......70 years old, humble, no ego, he is a prophet I am so so proud of him...I loved working with him ....HE DESERVES ALL of this and MORE

[@cuisina1055]

Been a fan for over 40 years. A true STAR. Today's so called "stars" could learn much from this amazing human being.

[@RobSmith2016]

The guys who found this guy really did a great deed, selfless human beings. I'm grateful to be listening to this genius.

[@Twenty10sMedia]

I just heard of him. Media Arts Major/school film. Interesting thou and a bit sad the Director to this documentary committed suicide right after he won the Oscar's. Very Sad. But Rodrigues is an unbelievable soul

[@mrhook2859]

No bitterness or resentment there with his past, he's what all people should aspire to be. Wonderful man.

[@sillambretta]

Never speak a word about your loss

[@Shelley550]

Exactly @Mr Hook well said

[@georgemcdonald5501]

i "DISCOVERED" HIM IN 1981 AND STILL LISTEN TO HIM, WHAT A WONDERFUL GUY, HUMBLE AND SO GLAD THAT HE EVENTUALLY GOT THE RECOGNISION AS A SUPER ARTIST WHICH EVADED HIM FOR YEARS. SIXTO, ENJOY BROTHER, YOU DESERVE EVERY BIT OF IT

[@saturnstar718]

I literally cannot believe we let this jewel of a talent slip between our fingers in America. Thank God we found him before he passes away!

[@brendanlg]

yes .. somehow we got lucky .. rodriguez was huge here in australia and toured in the late 70's cause you could not go anywhere without hearing his music blasting out of a car stereo , every party and every house had a copy of cold fact and coming from reality leaning proudly against the wall... and yes we still listen to them today , they sound as fresh as ever...great songs, excellent arrangements, and his voice, the tone of this mans voice is unique and makes it all pure magic, it fits the songs so perfectly.... someone said he is the perfect amalgam of bob dylan and lou reed and thats a concrete cold fact

[@melsmithmel]

@@brendanlg Really..I had no idea .. WOW Aussies must have great taste in music.He reminds me of Jeff Buckley's older father if he had one..lol

[@ShahinErian]

@@melsmithmel Tim Buckley?

[@bennuballbags2]

It's nice that he wasn't commercialised in America in a way....his music would have suffered as a result of pressure of labels

[@lucysummerville3688]

In Australia from1976 it was Bob Dylan Neil Young and Rodriguez. I was 17 in 1985 and Rodriguez and Bob Dylan and Neil Young were equal. We thought he was blind and dead but loved him. When I saw the movie Sugarman I watched 4 times in the weekend and cried every time.

[@GuyFloor]

I wept for joy for this man watching the documentary when I saw him finally rewarded for all his musical work. His humility and lack of bitterness is admirable! This story shows you how music is such a transcendent art form. Here was a young Mexican /American living in the inner city of Detroit writing music about his inner thoughts and struggles. But his music finds it way into South Africa on the other side of the world and strikes a chord of the youth in that land and gave them hope and joy! What a story!

[@michaelmccabe9390]

Being South African and having grown up with this music my whole life, I believe the person that requires more credit than any other (apart from Rodriguez himself), is Malik Bendjelloul. Sadly this man who spent over three exhausting years making the movie/documentary has not lived to see just how his efforts have continued to bless the lives of Rodriguez and many others around the globe.

[@rrr1063]

I watched the (much-hyped) doco and thought the glaring omission of the fact that Sixto was immensely popular here in Australia AND New Zealand (from the get-go) was most remiss. I believe it would have detracted from a doco made BY SA's FOR SA's, (as simple as that), that's certainly how it came across. Stranger still was that Sixto had indeed toured here (Australia) on a couple of occasions before EVER touring South Africa (in '98) under the tour heading "Dead Men Don't Tour". And yes, I'm plenty old enough to have bought both of Sixto's studio albums at the time they were released, everyone I knew had them! Personally, I've never been without his beautiful music and am delighted to know he finally received his long overdue recognition.

[@sandrakirchner282]

He did his purpose, now his finding other Rodriguez’s in other worlds

[@martinroberts4733]

My sentiments exactly.

[@1timbarrett]

Amen! We have got to stop losing talented young people to suicides and/or mental health crises...!

[@nisagomez4366]

@@rrr1063 Searching for Sugarman is about how SA found him and how he had no idea about that countries love of him. I don't see how previously touring in Australia changes any of that.

[@donnaadom8483]

Beautiful, gracious, talented man. He says at one point, "I'm yours" with a little chuckle. Putting the interviewer at ease, making the connection. Full of wisdom, and yet just a regular guy. We, too, are yours, Sixto Rodriguez.

[@educationalramblings6826]

I love Sixto….. a beautiful human being

[@julielawson9269]

In the documentary they only mention the record sales in Africa... We loved it in Australia too, we all knew the words and sang along. Gosh what an amazing story.

[@aquamarine_nz2296]

Yes, New Zealand too. ❤

[@bernadettebecher4689]

Yes absolutely agree. Loved his music and words.

[@jonboyd5694]

As a south african it was great to finally see him live twice and see him finally get regognition.

[@coleengaynor4108]

After a bad day at work, Sixto’s lyrics make me forget. Incredible life story and such a story teller.

[@Sagittarius-A-Star]

A big compliment to the host. He is not rude and interrupting (on the one occasion he apologized immediately).

[@S.J.L]

I listened to "Cause" today out of the blue. I also was and am a solo musician, I used to play on the streets of Portland everyday. I love that song for reasons I cannot fully explain. Thank you.

[@thehitchrules]

Just saw the Finding Sugarman documentary and I was blown away. It was so good.

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

Perhaps the dreamiest day of my life was when I met this man, held his guitar, and ate lunch with him in LA. It was the strangest occurrence in my life, equally as beautiful. One of those hypothetical bucket list moments that seems unattainable. He is beautiful and blindly kind. He appreciated when I said his guitar was very light. He asked me what I did, and I told him I'm a writer. His advice was, "write a letter to God like King David." I also made a bucket of chai iced tea that he really enjoyed, kept asking for more. I still can't believe that day happened even as I write this. We talked about almost everything, and he described Bob Dylan perfectly. He said, "Everyone is a telephone booth. Talking into a phone and sending out a signal to someone on the other side. Bob Dylan is rare because he's the telephone. It all pours into him, and he decides what to say." The last thing he asked was for my friend and I to buy him two bottles of wine, but his manager desisted us. What a person he is.

[@hundredcaws]

i would love to hear more stories like that in youtube comments.

[@teinamoran7000]

Wow! I would love to sit with him!

[@DTM-Books]

He has such a wonderful poetic way with words. It's amazing that he still possessed those gifts when you met him. Thanks for sharing!

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

@@DTM-Books Yes his lifeblood channels between words and music. He has a beautiful rhythm to himself that feels immortal. Extremely modest, too. Just a special person.

[@bishaldey5339]

@JonathanNelsonOfficial Sixto asked for two bottles of wine from you?

[@wanjingyang9894]

In 1970 I was 10 years old and we were listening to NON -BOOTLEG rodriguez.... we loved him then and it is so great to see him get the recognition we always thought he had.Now I understand why he never continued making records..... and I still can't believe he never made it BIG at the time. Thanks Sixto..... you have always been number one ... MAXIMUM respect to you!....

[@IsaDesOsiers]

I hope the documentaries about Sixto Rodriguez start being shown on TV everywhere so that a new generation is acquainted with his remarkable story and his music. I found this interview very enriching, and found a man who was incredibly intellectual and well-spoken, reflective of the exquisite poetry of his music. The music business is crazy.

[@FrancescPunsola]

Incredible story and artist!, just a miracle.

[@SuperElne]

An artist whit no other vision but his own, one that of love and growth thru pain and sorrow. Money has no value to him, love is his currency and I love him for that.

[@JungleNation333]

You got me through my teens. Thank you, Sir. RIP Rodriguez

[@Ralphieboy]

He really has a voice that lets you know that he is a straightforward and entirely decent fellow. Like Dylan's but without the cynical, sarcastic twang.

[@mistiblu246]

Never met this beautiful being in person but I can feel his inner beauty and I have to say he is so handsome. True magnificent inside and out, and gifted beyond words. Love you, Sixto💝💐

[@CBGB-Dalian]

The guy is real Rock Star!

[@Shelley550]

I love this man been listening to him for 40yrs, I don't understand how Americans let him "slip away" Pure Ģenius 🌟

[@angelarios8545]

He wasn't promoted, so nobody knew him. Blame the record company.

[@Shelley550]

@@angelarios8545 they ripped him off for yrs!!

[@rosap4043]

I lived in Saginaw, Michigan, having graduated from H.S. in 1972. It is a shame that I never heard or learned of Sixto Rodriguez back then. But I am glad that his music was loved and appreciated in South Africa and now the world. He deserves all the praise. Any man who can still be so humble after having found the fame that alluded him in the 70's and is now traveling and playing around the world, warms the heart. What a great story!

[@Donut.79]

Saginaw isn't that where question mark was from another great musician plus his band

[@LoyalOpposition]

I'm between Saginaw and Detroit and became a fan when the documentary came out, but didn't even hear about his death.

[@Loshia2002]

I like alot of other people got hooked on Rodriguez thanks to "Searching for Sugarman" and quite honestly he's a natural treasure and a tribute to those who never gave up their dream or compromised their views for the sake of a buck. To have a thriving career after 40 years of obscurity...you couldn't make this stuff up cos nobody'd believe you. Thank Christ that Rodriguez is FINALLY getting the accolades he so richly deserves.

[@jasonb3907]

Such a humble and very likeable guy.

[@philliptree1742]

He toured Australia a few times in the 1970's. He was huge down under.

[@8uddyboy]

I'm in my 50s and I love the music of Rodriguez so much that he has become one of my all time favourites. I'm also so sure I herd Sixto Rodriguez in the mid 70s at collage because when I herd it on the T.V. program Sugar Man I knew it and was singing along to it. Hope to her you for many more years to come.

[@rakaashok2478]

Now this guy is a true legend. I'm glad the world knows his story.

[@gp2862]

Grew up with your music in S.A. Everyone I knew either had your Cold Fact cassette or album. Still have your album from the 70's. Cry when I listen to this story.

[@mariviburgos1466]

Sixto Rodríguez el mejor poeta músico del mundo

[@themightycelestial]

Not only is it so great to see that the effort was done to find this artist, but it is even more great that the artist turns out to be such a humble, sweet, giving and honorable man.

[@gypsygal5]

his poetry & talent is a gift ...the most humble man , am so blessed to have grown up listening to his music everyday in my youth in South Africa ...

[@bornloseryeah]

Not only does he make amazing music, but he's 70 and has really cool hair.

[@towanda62]

What a wonderful human being and musician!

[@mariocomeq1961]

+Anette Olsen I red in a book he studied philosofy www.amazon.com/Sugar-Man-Death-Resurrection-Rodriguez/dp/0593075463

[@elnino4445]

You have a beautiful smile Anette

[@sarahkercheval8964]

Reminds me of interviews I’ve seen with Jimi Hendrix. 💗 So smart. So talented. Love this prophet 💕

[@OhSoGreezy]

I do truly admire his modesty, I can imagine he'd be a very humbling person to be around

[@ianmckinnon8461]

Master lyrical poet , hope you know we love you in australia, 60, 70,80,s still listning 2022

[@SouravDas-vd9yo]

"I was too disappointed to be disapointed" that the American music industry couldn't get enough of him. He is so raw, real and extremely relevant in today's world!!

[@1961Blanchflower]

Comes across as a genuinely nice, humble and articulate guy, as well as a talented musician.

[@nik170184dad]

To find such a man in today's world is indeed life reaffirming. Saw him in concert in Birmingham this last Tuesday - memorable evening - exceeded expectations.

[@natedogg5708]

This man deserved a NEW certification record, quadruple diamond should have been a standard for his music

[@sadiegeoghegan5962]

only just discovered this fantastic guy love his music

[@seangeoghegan]

Just found him yesterday, from a BBC radio article. Echos of music from my youth. So familiar.

[@atrothe]

What a beautiful humble man. He is a Mexican American hero.

[@stobbinsboy]

+atrothe yea a hero period.

[@coldfact4618]

+stobbinsboy what's that supposed to mean?

[@stobbinsboy]

not just a mexican hero

[@coldfact4618]

haha i was just wondering

[@SavoirFlair]

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He's of Mexican descent, a Mexican-American or sometimes called Chicano. And like everyone -- his DNA would probably reveal a variety of origins.

[@merlegeyer1]

Even with all the fame that came with his rediscovery he still stays quite mysterious and humble unknowingly in his answers. That's just just testament to his whole being, which is beautiful

[@merlegeyer1]

Also added, at his current age of 73 or 72 not sure

[@aliciahudson45]

Bittersweet to have just discovered this immensely talented artist. "Cause" is nothing short of perfection. Thanks to Jon for the introduction.

[@EliasMartiR]

We definitely love you Sixto, beyond music & politics!

[@suep3737]

I agree Ruan, this is a great interview, because he is gets Rodriguez talking about the crafts of writing and singing songs, not just about the events told in the movie like all the other interviews.

[@lindadote]

Have adored this amazing man and his extraordinary music since first hearing Cold Fact 40 odd years ago. Whilst we may have some folks in SA to thank for bringing the man and his music back, we Aussies were also huge fans in the day. I simply cannot comprehend such genius "slipping through the cracks" because his name is Hispanic. As previously noted, it didn't do Carlos Santana any harm. Sixto's "dilemma?" surely lay in the very lyrics he tried to get across to us ALL such a long time ago. Too political, too honest, too close to the bone? For some reason Australia and SA seemed to be more accepting of this beautiful man's views. Thankfully, the entire world is now able to share in some of the most brilliant lyrics ever penned, by anyone, period. IMHO.

[@aftereverett]

Well if the polticial going ons of Trump building a wall for Mexico and the treatment and blame of hispanics can illustrate the racial issues still going on in America...

[@michaelmccabe9390]

Being South African and having grown up with this music my whole life, I believe the person that requires more credit than any other (apart from Rodriguez himself), is Malik Bendjelloul. Sadly this man who spent over three exhausting years making the movie/documentary has not lived to see just how his efforts have continued to bless the lives of Rodriguez and many others around the globe.

[@jimkalfakis9893]

It has nothing to do with him being Hispanic. You guys are creating something that doesn’t exist. The fact that his albums were released during the time of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, KISS and a wide variety of rock and metal and glam has everything to do with it. Keep in mind, Rodriguez had a 60’s folk sound, which was past its peak.

[@jimkalfakis9893]

xoxochad you obviously have no clue of what you’re saying. Snap out of it man!

[@johnguarino8603]

Jim Kalfakis i’m not so quite sure about your comment. Jim Croce and John Denver were quite successful and popular in the early 70s during the time. They were a long way from being like Led Zeppelin yes they were very popular.

[@hang-sangitch]

A gentleman through and through. Long may he live :)

[@TheShibangelist]

So humble ... how can you not apreciate ?

[@badianou812]

I watched the movie,I cried a silent tear, seeing this humble man in all his honesty. some of his songs are timeless,his lyrics are poetry from the heart. the man is an example.

[@abelincoln5698]

The best part of the Rodriguez story and the great documentary is the fact that his music is actually really good ! I'd have bought his album if I'd heard it even if I didn't know of the film. I think his material is as good as anything from that time period, which happens to be an era when a LOT of great music was being made. Somehow his songs seem familiar even though I know I hadn't heard them.

[@skuzapo9365]

Real life Fairytale imao! A legend. I been listening to this guy nearly 35 years and he still brings tears to my eyes. What a fantastic place South Africa was back then.

[@bohogal1]

This is one cool dude.

[@lorriegingras3929]

wow this is such RICH MAN in his Soul! and Humble, i m so glad i got to watch his Doc on the CBC. WHAT A STORY to be ever told, this should be a Movie,,,,,,about his life,,,,,,

[@bradster67]

Heard of him when I saw the documentary. Musically, I absolutely love this man! Thank you Rodriguez. I am thrilled that you finally are receiving the recognition you truly deserve.

[@MercifulMariner]

He and Bob Dyan are in the same realm. Rodriguez distinctive voice and personality is magnetic

[@kenclark3170]

What a wonderful interview. Well driven.

[@gismo9507]

His character! He is really amazing!

[@jimbojones101]

Love the genius and humbleness of this uniquely gifted soul!

[@kathiemorris7303]

I LOVED Rodriguez when I was in my 20's [I'm 60 now, & an Aussie in Brizzie .. I was in Melbourne in my 20's though] .. I had both of his Albums & listened to them OFTEN .. I was SO sad & shocked & could NOT believe that a man such as he would commit suicide!!! & I was RIGHT to not believe it .. Yey :o) :o) .. THANKs to him being his AWESOME self! I'm so VERY happy [I cry with joy @ times] that he's found the fame I believed he deserved way back then .. & it's even more awesome, & beautiful & touching that he's been an 'ordinary man' for all these years, & has finally been re-discovered - THANKS to the South African guys "Searching for Sugarman" I'm SO GLAD they did! & he still has the delightful humility & insight he's obviously had all along .. He STILL has IT, AND some! I MUCH prefer his voice in his own original songs, .. am not so keen on the new almost 'Tiny Tim' renditions of others songs .. just sayin' .. even though his song choices are delightful for their content :o) His own songs have GUTS, are SO STRONG, & REAL! I hope he writes LOTS more .. PLEASE DO Rodriquez!! :o)

[@johnnypalacios7262]

Rodríguez Rules!!

[@debeerpaul]

The Legend....Literally!

[@emiliobello2538]

Yes

[@dancewomyn1]

Just found out about this artist and his amazing story and musical career. He has a beautiful tranquil voice and presence. How symbolic that he worked in demolition. It seems he also broke down some walls with his words and music as well! :)

[@kelvinbrunton4780]

Never Heard of him growing up in New Zealand. I love him now. What a lovely man.

[@aquamarine_nz2296]

I did, my boyfriend had his albums in Auckland. Late 70s.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

One cool humble dude....and a great person and musician!

[@kimbozw1808]

in the 70s Rodriguez's vinyl albums (and cassettes) sold in South Africa and neighbouring Rhodesia. A lot of folks emigrated from those countries to Australia and elsewhere and I believe that that is how the music travelled originally.

[@TheGoliathsound]

You are a beautiful man, sir. I am honored to have heard you music, your voice, and your words. Thank you.

[@mpwall123]

He's very articulate...interesting listen

[@HKSAR55]

What a beautiful human being...Bring tears to my eyes when I listen to him.

[@doctorbjornm.d.4105]

HI explanation as to why a musician was right on. For the girls, for the money, for the recognition, for the message, and for the fun.

[@wilsondejonge280]

I was one who bought his Albums way back when. I had completely forgotten about him until the movie. What a tragedy really. When he could have lived a very comfortable life and helped his family so much as I'm sure he would have. And how different would the world have been if for those decades his songs were heard on the airwaves. how many people would have been affected one way or another by his music and what ripples in society would those effects have caused and what would those ripples have affected. It really is a tragedy.

[@troysauvageau4473]

Saw him last night at the North Park Theatre in San Diego...class act and wonderful show!

[@BrianandMoe]

Talented, humble, inspiring guy, I’m a fan for the duration!

[@samaraverduzco7113]

My god! What a man! What an amazing story!

[@colinb8669]

I only discovered "sugar man" 2 days ago. Hes so cool!

[@adamturner1563]

colin...got there in the end buddy.

[@Deontjie]

I only discovered him in 1978. Then I lost him. Next thing there was a poster advertise him to perform in our town hall. So I went to go and see a tribute show, after all, I knew Rodriguez was dead. Then this man steps on the stage. I still can not belief it......

[@Tessietots]

such a wonderful person

[@queenfan45]

The mexican Bob Dylan, they even have the same soft voice when they talk. His story makes me cry, it's so beautiful.

[@noellajioneness3399]

Great Artist... amazing find for our world. Could not be a better time for our society to hear such a talented man! We in Canada are so proud of you Sixto! Love and Light Noella Oneness Canada

[@greywolf271]

He's so humble. I wish I could grab him and drill into him how great a musician he is and he should hold his head high

[@sambama999]

I don't see him NOT holding his head high, do you?!

[@MrZebadey]

I had been listening to this amazing man for many years then he came to my home town in Australia. What a night we had! To see and hear the man who until then was an enigma was simply fantastic. Great to see others will now finally get to hear what he had to say.

[@MsDreamscaper]

I loved watching the Sugar man documentary and it was so wonderful to see someone getting their chance to shine. Rodriguez' and his music are beautiful.

[@ekahiway]

A real pleasure to have seen him live a couple weeks ago in Seattle. Humble man... funny too.

[@rsjbarker]

A magnificent human being and artist

[@aorort8660]

incredible a singer, a myth LIVING. SIXTO THANK YOU, THANK YOU MALIK.FROM SPAIN. -

[@narutofan2120]

this man inspires to be more selfless and genuine in my life. there's is no one like him in this generation to influence the younger generation.

[@platosays3721]

He's so impressive - Bob Dylan Meets Jose Feliciano - I wonder how his fate would've been different if he'd been Black rather than Latino back in the 70s. I bought both his albums the moment Seaching For Sugarman credits rolled. He's sold out at the Royal Albert Hall within hours. Damnit!

[@tanjakivimaki9222]

so nice man, very kind man, and looks so shy.

[@traceyyeoman8391]

Icons are rare, humble genius sweet sweet man.

[@MrMayarama]

How come I missed his true talents before..better late than never.. A great inspiration for Humanity, long live his music...