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Searching for Sugar Man

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Sixto Rodriguez, the American musician known professionally as Rodriguez and the subject of 2012’s Searching for Sugar Man, has died. He was 81.

His death was announced yesterday (Aug. 8) on his website in a statement that reads, “It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away earlier today. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters – Sandra, Eva and Regan – and to all his family.”

The statement continues, “Rodriguez was 81 years old. May His Dear Soul Rest In Peace.”

Rodriguez was the subject of the 2012 film Searching For Sugar Man, about his unlikely ascent from unknown musician to cult favorite in countries like South Africa and Australia, based solely on two albums he released in 1970 and 1971.

Rodriguez, who lived and worked in Detroit as an auto worker and later in construction and demolition, toured internationally, performing in Australia in 1979, per Variety. Rumors of his death circulated long before he passed; fans in South Africa wrongfully believed Rodriguez had shot himself or set himself on fire onstage. The rumors were put to rest in 1997 when a journalist found that the musician was alive and well in Detroit.

Rodriguez’s career gained renewed attention after the release of the 2012 documentary, and his music entered the U.S. charts decades after its original release thanks to the film’s popularity at festivals like Sundance.

The film would go on to win the 2012 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and the 2012 BAFTA Award for best documentary.

No cause of death has been given. Rodriguez is survived by his daughters.

How to watch Searching For Sugar Man:

If you want to find out more about Rodriguez’s journey from blue-collar worker to beloved musical icon, you can stream Searching For Sugar Man, the 2012 documentary feature directed by Malik Bendjelloul. The film is currently available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube, iTunes for $3.99, and is currently streaming on Max.