Rodriguez Performs "Crucify Your Mind" | Letterman

The talented singer and subject of the documentary "Searching For Sugar Man" performs one of his songs from the film.
(From "Late Show," air date: 8/14/12)
#rodriguez #sugarman #letterman
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[@markyncole]

Finally got the recognition he truly deserved.

[@holly-bg6yf]

This is wild!! I’m obsessed!

[@22Phantasm]

I lived in South Africa in the 80s when his music was so popular. We obviously didn't know his life story then, but Searchin For Sugarman gave us a lot of answers. RIP, Sixto.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

I got to see him live a few times here in Michigan - huge fan

[@lisaandrews1430]

Saw him live in Perth Western Australia on a lovely warm evening in the beautiful Kings Park. What a memorable performance. Stunning voice and guitarist. Humble and grounded. RIP and thanks for the music x

[@louisevanderlinde8590]

Fellow South African here. Great singer, exceptional movie.

[@peetsnort]

Me too. Now I'm 64 next month

[@detroyt232323]

I grew up 5 mins from Sixto. Just part of the amazing legacy of our city of automobiles and amazing music. You're welcome 😎🎸

[@Fredrikstbye]

This brings me to tears. Such a humble and brilliant musician with an amazing story. Rock in peace, Sugar Man.

[@fifermcgee5971]

Me too, if he were white in the late sixties he would have been promoted however, the ugly head of racism arose and he was discarded like the daily trash. Pity, real pity as the world lost years of entertainment from this raw jewel. RIP good man. Thank you to the chaps in South Africa who sought him out and told the tragic story.

[@Oscoe63]

​@@fifermcgee5971I'm a little leary that race played into the lack of his album's success in U.S. (remember: his record producer, Clarence Avant, was black). I just think that by the late 60's/early 70's the U.S. market for Rock, Pop, and Soul music was so unbelievably saturated, that getting any kind of airplay for new acts was a huge challenge. Even fellow-Detroiter Bob Seger - who was putting out some good stuff during this time period - went largely ignored nationally until ~'76. I think Rodriguez probably just threw in the towell too soon after failure of his 2nd album. Most artists have to be incredibly persistent before their work gets recognized. But thank God the South Africans finally brought him to our attention via this awesome twist of fate and the imternet!

[@Hexon66]

@@Oscoe63 He'd been playing in Australia for years before the documentary. He hadn't just disappeared. Granted, pre-internet, it would have been hard to keep track of him.

[@sebaldc.2681]

@@Hexon66 Why does letterman give the man a hand twice? When i see letterman, i see a weird person .... never trusted him, but he's a comedian.

[@Babaziba]

I'm so glad he found out how loved he is.

[@dougggiereid]

In the 70's he was bigger than Elvis in South Africa. He was always in my cassette tape box in my car and on my records player in my room. Was a huge privilege to see him live in Cape Town, the highlight of all concerts I went to. He was so humble. He came down off the stage and walked around shaking hands with us in the audience. What a pleasure. What a kick! Nobody made music anywhere close to his.

[@stanleygohome4869]

beautiful thanks for sharing

[@vs52217]

Notice how he thanked the musicians first before greeting Dave. Such a good, kind man.

[@pamelahay6242]

From what I’ve been told by someone who spent time with him, he was a humble man.

[@rname879]

Thanks for mentioning this I never noticed that what a great guy and incredible story!

[@dannyo4175]

If humble has a face it was certainly Rodriguez's, RIP beautiful soul 🙏🏾

[@markyncole]

Then took his hat off in respect to shake Dave's hand.

[@RodolfGaona-um8wy]

And he takes off his hat,when he talks to letterman! Respectful man

[@peterjordaan1688]

Huge part of the soundtrack of 80's and 90's in South Africa. At 65 this brings tears of nostalgia. What a beautiful humble man.

[@did67lejardinier42]

The most remarkable thing in this video is that when Letterman greets him, at the end, Rodriguez, although he begins to be recognized as "a star", takes off his hat. As any humble person would. Like a farmer would do. Like the labourer he was would...

[@reychafamex9450]

Proud to call you a fellow Chicano. Santana, Ronstadt, Rodriguez, some of the best music I have EVER heard, transcends nationalities. Rest easy brother, descansa en paz.

[@nowelaZA]

Thank you for lending him to us South Africans. He was our hero too.

[@AlbertoRodriguez-nd8di]

Don't forget Ritchie Valenz who was only 17 years old when he passed away.

[@carlbenson6780]

What about Selena Quintanilla, she would have been huge

[@phishfan]

Just discovered him last week from a radio report about his passing, and they played two songs. I sat there totally mesmerized at the beauty and strength of his writing and watched the film over the weekend- spent yesterday and today listening over and over to all of his output. RIP to an astonishing songwriting genius. What a gift.

[@brucechellan]

Probably one of the greatest artists of our time ❤❤

[@sirenloud]

I just discovered him like 5 minutes ago because of a KZbin short of Joe Rogan

[@tylerumberger3326]

@@sirenloud 😂😂 me too literally maybe 10 min ago the short with him n post Malone 😂 I tried to watch the movie but I dunno if I wanna buy it yet im sure it's worth it tho

[@productivitybydesign9368]

Everybody my age in South Africa had this album in the house. Still do and still enjoy it just as much. RIP Sixto

[@rosspittman1916]

"Searching for Sugarman" is my all-time favorite documentary. Rodriguez was such an amazing and beautiful soul. RIP.

[@richardka57]

Hace 3 días conocí a Rodríguez y sigo impactado y tratando de asimilarlo. El documental me llegó del ocio de entrar a FB-meta y me enganchó. Lo más duro fue saber que hace 2 semanas falleció. Todo fuera de tiempo, igual que el. Gran POETA y visionario! R. I. P.

[@eldonphukuile]

During my high school years in South Africa (circa 1994), this man WAS IT ALL for the cool kids!!

[@robdotcom71]

I'm in Australia and a neighbor put on the Cold Fact album and my jaw dropped....

[@1pixman]

I am from New Zealand and had Cold Shot when it was released. It was very popular in NZ.

[@peetsnort]

Even in 94... Amazing

[@wilyinfidel1091]

There were no cool kids in South Africa in 1994, or any other time.

[@peetsnort]

@@wilyinfidel1091 apart from you that is

[@c.c.lilford2916]

Rest in Peace to a true poet, sail on Sugarman!

[@africamike3095]

University in South Africa in the early '80's.......Rodriguez was huge......RIP Sugar Man! Gone but never forgotten. Thank you for the music!

[@brianschwartz5673]

I know you

[@HanifBarnwell]

Thank you Dave and team for republishing this masterpiece performance

[@danielviramontes3012]

This man changed my life, I was 16 (now I’m 27) when I watched the doc and was struck in such a profound way. His writing is beautiful, this song especially! He Inspires me everyday to be the best and kindest version of myself. Truly a man with a gift. I’ll remember him forever.

[@Sc0ttyb33]

RIP dude, ive listened to this mans music snce the 80's my chidren were bought up with this man playing from time to time, and they are now almost grown and fully respect this music, humble to the end too!! with everything going left field in the world today, they could all take a page out of this guys book!!

[@tonycantu3491]

Glad we were able to find you again, Sugar Man. Rest in peace. 😢

[@Warp75]

Rest in peace Sixto ✌🏻

[@lobitome]

R. I. P. Sixto, what a legend.

[@kimijonghighball9626]

I just discovered this guy yesterday. I can’t believe that he never made it here in America. I listened to this song only 4or 5 times and I don’t know but it’s very emotional to me. 😢

[@jvs333]

So happy he got to experience how much he was loved and valued by the world before his death. RIP Mr. SIXTO RODRIGUEZ

[@kimtodd1202]

I play his music as much now as i did in the 70's. He has always been more appreciated in the alternate scene then the commercial. I was sad to hear of his passing, i'm so glad for him that he found out just how much people loved his work before he shuffled off this mortal coil. His music will live on and find new audiences i'm sure. A beautiful man, beautiful music.

[@nigelsilver4251]

A gifted and down to earth human being and a beautiful and precious soul returned to paradise.

[@ytzpilot]

I’m so glad he got to perform on Letterman in the Ed Sullivan Theatre just like many other of the greatest musicians, this was one of his best

[@thayliamills2094]

May you rock the heavens Sixto! I'm so glad for the South African fans that kept you and your music alive. And for the film Searching For Sugar Man, so we here in his own country could catch up to become your fan too.

[@1TheAmarok1]

AN AMAZING TALENT AND YET SO HUMBLE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

[@fuckyourthots]

“Giving substance to shadows, giving substance evermore.”-Sixto Rodriguez 😢 You got me through some times. I’ll cherish your music that my grandpa showed me. You will forever be a timeless legend.

[@AlexF993]

I played the violin for 12 years, and moved on to things I’m more interested in and I’m happy. But I still have a musician’s eye, and I can tell, from the way Sixto moves his right hand on the guitar, that he played with a confidence and expertise that comes to musicians by only one way: decades of obsession-fueled practice. Bravo maestro. Bravo.

[@dreamwell2020]

Sometimes I have my doubts about my species - then I listen to this man's music.

[@luisvillar8320]

Love the way he thanks the musicians at the end.

[@ca9968]

On August the 8th, 2023, another piece of South Africa`s soul died...RIP Sixto and RIP South Africa...

[@ylaimoday2076]

I was just planning to meet this man. There is sooo much about him that I wanted to experience his presence. Very few people worth admiration and genuine nobility. Rest in peace and you will be forever in my heart.😢

[@carlosl-f2433]

Brings tears to my eyes...what a story. Cold fact was my teenage years in SA...RIP Sixto.

[@longwayaround7767]

I first learned of this movie off Netflix. Amazon is the only place you can purchase it now. I made that purchase. Having been born right outside Detroit in 1958, and moved to the southwest in 1969, I had never heard Rodriguez. This is a must see movie! The music is great, Rodriguez is wonderful, and to learn so many decades later his music played a major role in South Africa's apartheid is astounding. It is the BEST movie to restore your faith in humankind with the once in a lifetime chance to see him play many concerts decades later. It is my go to movie when things in life are rough going. I do not believe anyone will not be moved by Rodriguez's story and music. The world lost an amazing man and talent today. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

[@mannybravo237]

Yes, S Africa thou, I looked up the vlog from CNN I seen during covid lockdown

[@longwayaround7767]

@@mannybravo237 Thank you for catching my error. I corrected it to read as it should.

[@productivitybydesign9368]

His music had nothing to do with apartheid. We all recognized how different Rodriquez was and how he connected with his audience through his words.

[@mannybravo237]

@@productivitybydesign9368 for the generation that experience suppression in SA, they found entertainment and 'deliverance' thru his soul touching music, maybe an escapism to help them all survive their struggles

[@longwayaround7767]

@@productivitybydesign9368 Then why are those in South Africa claiming his music was the anthem songs that brought about the end of aperthied? Their interviews. Their words. Not mine. You got some explaining to do Lucy

[@nuvonuvohair346]

Went to see Rodrigues in Sydney last time he was in Australia loveley man great concert RIP

[@geneeckert7151]

In the early 70's he had a big following in Rhodesia. His LP 'Coldfact"was played at most Discos and parties❤

[@69crazyface]

Rodriguez has been the sound track of my lifetime, thank you brother Adrian Davis

[@NiallsSongs]

Searching for sugar man is a story I’ll never forget. Seeing it was a transformational experience. Rodriguez is a legend and a hero of epic stature. We don’t even deserve people of that calibre.

[@gail4788]

Rip Rodriguez. Your music will still live on. Love you

[@madazza]

I'm so happy he found out he was loved around the world by thousands of fan's! Love from Australia r.i.p Sixto

[@pedroprieto5425]

One of the most fascinating stories in popular music. Even as this rendition of Crucify your Mind brings me to tears, I thank David Letterman because he pushed the envelope in his program for so many years. He gave his platform to artists when they were not considered mainstream such as Ben Harper. The last time I saw Billy Preston was in his program playing with the wonderful band of Paul Shaffer. Only Letterman could have recognized the importance of Rodriguez with such a beautiful homage.

[@happybumblebeeproduction3612]

Agree with @Fredrikstbye. The tears will come when I see Rodriguez. What we do creates ripples in the water, even if we don't believe it or know when it happens. Let love reign. That is my wish in this life.Truth and love will win! Always!

[@johnhanover2229]

Way ahead of his time. How no one in America knew of him is a shame.

[@howardblasingame7961]

Bible: A Prophet is never welcomed in his home town.

[@belindaschafer1593]

​@@howardblasingame7961true words❤🎉

[@annaJ00]

I discovered him on holiday in Spain in 2015. Wonderful man, genius songwriter. Love him. RIP. QEPD.

[@raymondrochajr9621]

I've never heard of this man or his music. But I really enjoyed his song! I will give a listen to his other tunes. Can't wait. RIP 🙏

[@s.p.8803]

You have to watch the documentary about him. You'll understand why you never heard of him.

[@raymondrochajr9621]

@@s.p.8803 Thanks.

[@phillipsmerchantband]

An absolutely wonderful brilliant musician! Dave has always had a great ear for true musicians.

[@rsgabrys----]

---------------------- as did Vinny van Gogh .....for self painted portraits....no?....

[@mrcartease]

Remember my dad playing his songs and singing along in the 80s…🇿🇦🙏🏻RIP

[@noblshtplz]

Loved this man...his inner light glows like a lantern...a beautiful talent ❤🎵🎵🎶🎶

[@jeffmitchell9702]

Thank you for posting this, Dave. Rodriguez was a humble man with extraordinary gifts and a beautiful spirit. I'm so thankful to see him play live in April 2013, enjoy his albums, and watch "Searching for Sugar Man" (several times), the best documentary that I've ever seen. R.I.P. Sixto Diaz Rodriguez.

[@justice1902]

I remember these tunes playing on many little radios all over Army bases in South Africa in the 1980's and 1990's. Thank you for the beuatiful thought provoking lyrics Sixto. You are a legend and we will miss you.

[@HandbagDiva]

He was 70 years old & still sounded great

[@insatiabletraveler2929]

I am so very grateful to have seen "Searching for the Sugar Man" - a very moving documentary, which prompted me to fly to Seattle to see Rodriquez live. Brilliant concert in a small venue and one of my favorite highlights in life. Sixto was lovely, gentle, grateful, humble and a very talented man. I pray that the last few years of his life allowed him to see how much he was appreciated and loved. Fortunately, I live near Detroit and visit his neighborhood frequently....which he is honored by a huge mural....long live the spirt of the Sugar Man!

[@gttim]

I got to see him 3 times in concert! His music and story fascinated me. The music industry will rip everything off from everybody if given the chance. I wish his life had been easier.

[@theresas14]

That's what makes it sad to me

[@andreasrausch5552]

Such a sad day! Rodriguez and Robbie Robertson. This is such a great song. Rest in peace, Rodriguez, the one and only Sugar man.

[@matilijapoppy1140]

yes, my thoughts, exactly. rodriguez and robertson, and my best friend passed on august 9 in 77. my little sister passed away early this morning. beautiful souls and gifted - every one of them. 🕊️

[@pamelahay6242]

Your little sister will be in good company. Condolences to you on your family loss. 🌹

[@matilijapoppy1140]

@pamelahay, thank you for your kind reply.

[@andreasrausch5552]

@@matilijapoppy1140 I'm so sorry to hear that. So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. May friends and family ease your pain.

[@Oscoe63]

​@@matilijapoppy1140ditto - sorry for your loss. Ironically, Clarence Avant also passed away last week. People may remember from Sugarman that he was the record producer who screwed Rodriguez out if his Aussie and S.A. royalties.

[@duncanclews9424]

only thing more beautiful than the music was the man

[@genghis_connie]

This was a great documentary! This arrangement is spectacular. His vocals are a little drowned out.

[@user-sp4gy7ko5l]

Sound engineer sucked ass.

[@SandraPione]

Thank you beloved Sixto Rodríguez for all your talented music. Thank you Sugar man. Rest in peace. We love you forever!!!

[@bambukoinnovations]

Tears can't help but break through my eyes. Your music hits me like conscience would, a soul whisper. Your story and poetry became a part of who I am. 'Cause' is my favorite, but 'Silver Words' got me the girl. You are one of my prophets, and there are only a handful of them. Too bad I never got to see you live. Thank you, dear Sixto. Your music will be sang by my kids, and I know for sure, my future grand kids. Sending my warmth to Sandra, Eva, and Regan. From the Philippines.

[@cherylteixeira7574]

Love you comment ❤

[@johnorenstein741]

Nice song good story teller godbless

[@michaelj.r457]

In addition to Rodriguez's performance. I am always drawn to how passionate Dave introduces him. He clearly was a fan of the guy. He introduces Rodriguez as if he were Warren Zevon, and if you are a Late Show fan, you will know that I can't say a higher compliment than that.

[@mannybravo237]

That was warm🥲...I remember catching a vlog a few years back on how a Detroit rock star found out he was a HUGH success in S Africa, then his popularity exploded worldwide! How cool was that! Thank you for your talent and music, Rodriguez🙏🏼 R I P 🕯

[@jetsamperes5762]

Letterman has done thousands of shows -with countless musical guests - the fact that he remembers them all and posted this today to honor Rodriguez is what a true professional he is.

[@jhk22]

Don Giller deserves a lot of credit, catalogued every show from 1980-2015.

[@spangalang]

Pretty sure Dave's not the guy running the KZbin channel.

[@sebastian6736]

I appreciate the spirit behind this comment but you can't possibly be this naive. Letterman had nothing at all to do with this upload.

[@smokinnplatez1426]

Why the negativity let's just appreciate that he was honored

[@DonRamiro1]

Seven albums he sold in the US when he released his record and what it turned into years later. Absolutely amazing.

[@Tom-mo2dr]

God the man was so humble . He is flying with eagles now. ☮️💚

[@dunesurfermt5004]

That is letterman’s best, Rodrigues was so underrated.

[@deedeesdefiance4131]

What a a beautiful man, sad he is gone. I like his music, but my favorite thing is in the documentary made about him is how much his daughters loved him.

[@eugenesteenhuisen4065]

Had his first album when it came out early 70’s and then saw him live when he came to South Africa as in the movie. In so sad that he has passed. Such a humble and gentle being.

[@affordit]

I was introduced to his music by my South African flatmates, such a wonderful talent and so down to earth and humble, I hope you have a special place in heaven RIP Sixto Rodriguez.

[@lukewarmaus]

I got to meet him at Bluesfest Australia in 2007. Such a kind and humble man. His music was the soundtrack to some of my best memories as a young kid. So glad he got the recognition he deserved, his story really is amazing.

[@kevinkirkland4577]

The thinking man's Dylan. Rodriguez was always famous here in Australia both his albums were number 1. He toured here years before he went to south Africa. The movie is a bit fast n loose with the facts and leaves out his Australian history. Still a great doco. I will forever cherish my signed copy of cold fact, and meeting him😢😢😢😢

[@helenfield7363]

Thank you for your poetry to music. RIP RODRIGUEZ💔

[@jurgen889]

The most humble man ever, so much respect. He was greater than Elvis in South Africa, grew up with his music and EVERYONE had his music. RIP Sixto, your gracious soul lives on. Much love.

[@zhulia]

Such a humble man.

[@captainnortheast8699]

A humble soul and true talent. I'll remember him more than the famous

[@shmutzydawg]

Genius!! We all miss you brother

[@scee1871]

Amazing talent.

[@davidellis5141]

The Sugarman ! 😎

[@stevensokulsky1915]

Very sad. His song 'Cause' is probably my favorite song of all time. Crucify your mind is not far behind. Saw him in concert in Australia a few years back. He needed to be helped around the stage and I would have chosen different set selection, but I still enjoyed listening to the great man.

[@debrastarr5083]

I saw him too, in Sydney, probably the last time he was here...in Marrickville I think it was...so glad I got to

[@americangirl-]

If he only knew how much I love his soul ,that's all I can say.....BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT ✌❤🌎

[@user-nk1hi2sv8c]

Please keep discovering him he is worth it!!!

[@lifestyles2482]

Today. Today I found out. About him, about the movie, about his music. He got to see what many did not. So many in their times couldn’t sell their art. We’re unknowns. So many we love now. But he got to feel it. For himself and for them.

[@justice1902]

Thank you for your time, Sixto Rodriguez.

[@madhuekanayake475]

The very small part of this song in The Gambler 2014 got me curious. Been a fan of this great man ever since. What a comeback story and what a loss to music! RIP Sugarman! We love you!

[@fr3rdsky]

Rest In Peace Sixto. What a Story! I’m glad I was able to learn about his music recently.

[@jeffreyphillips7312]

absolutely unbelievable...and couldn't have happened to a nicer more humble human

[@stevenbouler5783]

RIP Sugarman…we are less with his passing.

[@terrycox2063]

Always a memory maker and that is a "cold fact" I wonder was the kick starter for me, songs with a message!!

[@ronrotunno-jh6hw]

RIP One of the best singer songwriters to go under the radar.

[@mdr9738]

I DId NOT KNOW he passed!😭Sweet Soul,Great Spirit! Rest In Paradise Sir! You are and were APPRECIATED By ME!Farewell on your journey.”

[@bteasley99]

If you haven't watched "Searching for Sugarman" - make SURE to watch it. It's a documentary. And it's one of the most amazing stories you'll ever hear. Thanks Dave and the PANTS folks. Always the best.

[@brianboxall4869]

I grew up in Rhodesia listening to his music in the 70s and 80s can't believe how popular he has become rest in peace

[@natevm7888]

I know I'm a little late to the party but I just watched this movie and it is incredible I just read that he died in 2023 what a phenomenal story and man❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@thetrixiefirecracker]

He's amazing.

[@jimmygillard]

Amazing stuff from a masterful musician. Sugarman is up there with The Last Waltz as one of the best every music docs.

[@tommydub1281]

Also the movie Walk Hard.

[@mattcasey5018]

All the more special as Dave's drummer - Anton Fig is from Cape Town. RIP Rodriguez.

[@danhoppus9551]

What an absolute legend. Music lost one of its brightest writers.

[@MagsMusicfan9]

Just watched this doc! Sadly fascinating. What a talent we all missed while he was alive or for me anyway. Im in Canada but Ive never heard of him. Brilliant musician, singer and songwriter! Lead the angels in song Sugar Man! ❤😇🙏🏻🎤🎸

[@Harold710]

He was a true diamond in the rough!