Introduction

Next Music proudly announces the release of FOR RODRIGUEZ, a landmark 21-track tribute album celebrating the life, music and enduring global legacy of Sixto Rodriguez.

Supported by the Rodriguez Family and featuring his daughter Sandra Rodriguez, the album brings together a remarkable collective of South African artists, all pleased to contribute royalties toward the Rodriguez Family — alongside musicians who shared the stage with Rodriguez during his touring years.

Notably, Graham Gillot, who served as lead guitarist and musical director in Rodriguez’s touring band on multiple international tours including South Africa, appears across several tracks and co-produces key recordings. Neill Solomon, who performed with Rodriguez in London in 2006, contributes a powerful rendition of Forget It, adding direct historical continuity to the project.

In Grahams own words: “Dear Rodriguez. So many shows and memories, from 2004 in SA, to our last US tour in 2020. You changed my life in ways you never knew. You will be missed, but I will never forget you, and all the amazing times that we shared together, ‘making rock-n-roll history’ as you called it. To quote your own words, it has truly been… ‘an honour and a privilege, Sir.’ “

The opening track, Sugar Man, performed by SA for Sugar Man, symbolically unites Sixto Rodriguez, Sandra Rodriguez, Marc Skarda, Ross Learmonth, Kahn Morbee, Mark Beling and Graham Gillot — a cross-generational homage that bridges Detroit and South Africa.

Recorded across leading studios including Musicology Studios, Atomic Studios Johannesburg, Atomic Studios Cape Town, Little Rock Studios and Victory Studios, and produced by respected names such as Darryl de Lange, Matthew Fink, Mark Beling and Fernando Perdigao, FOR RODRIGUEZ is both sonically contemporary and deeply respectful of the original works.

Rodriguez’s songs became anthems in South Africa long before he knew it. They spoke to inequality, longing, rebellion and truth — themes that remain as urgent today as ever.

“South Africa gave our father a second life as an artist. The love and respect he received there meant more to him than words can describe. Hearing these songs reinterpreted by South African musicians — including friends who toured with him — reminds us how deeply his music continues to live. FOR RODRIGUEZ is not just a tribute; it is a continuation of the conversation he started decades ago. Our family is deeply moved by this project.” Sandra Rodriguez

“This album is more than a tribute,” says Next Music. “It is a continuation of a relationship between Rodriguez and South Africa — one built on authenticity, shared struggle and extraordinary songwriting.”

FOR RODRIGUEZ is released by Next Music and distributed worldwide by Next Music Distribution in partnership with The Orchard. It will be available on all major streaming platforms in March 2026.

Tracks

1. Sugar Man – SA for Rodriguez ft Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, Sandra Rodriguez, Ross Learmonth, Graham Gillot, Kahn Morbee, Marc Skarda, Mark Beling
2. You’d Like To Admit It – Sandra Rodriguez
3. I Wonder – Mean Mr Mustard
4. Jane S. Piddy – Graham Gillot Band
5. To Whom It May Concern – Zondagkraal
6. Like Janis – Babette
7. Street Boy – Dr. Victor
8. Crucify Your Mind – Rock The Boat
9. Rich Folks Hoax – Amanda Strydom
10. Climb Up On My Music – Graham Gillot Band ft. Mark Beling
11. Gommorah (A Nursery Rhyme) – MaxX & Love
12. Forget It – Neill Solomon
13. Heikki’s Suburbia Bus Tour – Naranjo
14. Sandrevan Lullaby – Brij Gosai
15. The Establishment Blues – Vabond
16. Hate Street Dialogue – Daniel Wesley Africa
17. I Think Of You – Jess Meyer
18. Halfway Up The Stairs – Graham Gillot Band
19. To Whom It May Concern – Jakkie Louw
20. Cause – The Traveller
21. I Wonder – Aidan Fraser

Gallery

Press Release (PDF)

8 February, Sunday 1pm – Stellenbosch – Daisy Jones

28 February, Saturday 7pm – George – Bush Lapa

7 March, Saturday 1pm – Cape Town – Tygervalley Barnyard

11 March, Wednesday – 7pm – Durban – Suncoast Casino Barnyard

13 March, Friday – 7pm – Pretoria – Menlyn Barnyard

14 March, Saturday 1pm – East Rand – Emperors Palace Barnyard

15 March, Sunday 1pm – West Rand – Silverstar Casino Barnyard

I decided to launch a new series to imagine myself as a critic at the end of the 60s and start of the 70s, and to rectify certain reviews from Rolling Stone magazine and Creem. This not meant to be contrarian, but to offer a more balanced perspective. These albums are lesser-known titles.

Rodriguez: Coming From Reality (1971)

****

Producer: Steve Rowland

Musicians: Sixto Rodriguez, Chris Speeding, Tony Carr, Phil Dennys, Jimmy Horowitz, Gary Taylor, Andrew Steele

Songs: Climb Up On My Music, A Most Disgusting Song, I Think Of You, Heikki’s Suburbia Bus Tour, Silver Words?, Sandrevan Lullaby – Lifestyles, To Whom It May Concern, It Started Out So Nice, Halfway Up The Stairs, Cause

Reviewed By Matthew Anthony Allair

    Rodriguez’s second album has come out and it has left me pondering the fates, if you’ll indulge me, the other Latino rock act that has enjoyed a great deal of success is the band Santana, which is a mixed race group, while they aren’t directly a social comment or political band, it makes their music more palpable to the public. That doesn’t take away from the merits of that band, or their success is less deserved, it just means that the risk that Rodriguez is putting forth is greater. He is just as socially penetrating as he was with “Cold Fact” from last year. He has a new producer and the record feels more focused and there’s a fuller sound in some respects. It also feels more conventional in places which is a trade off.

    The opener, “Climb Up On My Music” feels like a mission statement. Aside from the lead work, Rodriguez stretches out on acoustic. The keyboard work from the start is a good edition, the rhythm section with the drum and bass really catches fire.  “A Most Disgusting Song” will probably be the most provocative track, a blues number that feels like it’s channeling a contemporary like Gil-Scott Haron. “I Think Of You” is the first ballad on the album, nice backing support, and rich string arrangement. “Heikki’s Suburbia Bus Tour” is the albums rock tune, and mirrors “Only Good For Conversation” from the last album. ‘Silver Words” is the other pop leaning ballad with good acoustic lead support, and string quartet.

    “Sandrevan Lullaby – Lifestyles” is a two section medley, ‘Sandrevan’ is a somber, wistful instrumental with good playing by Rodriguez and quartet, and ‘Lifestyles’ is a more pointed, penetrating piece, the most Dylan like number examining the desperate facades that people front, with great lines such as ‘she laughed when I tried to tell her, hello only ends in goodbye’. Or ‘America gains another pound, only time will bring some people around, idols and flags are slowly melting’. This track is probably the albums tour de force. “To Whom It May Concern” takes a break with a prominent piano and orchestral arrangement for a song that advocates against relationship victimization and self-empowerment. “It Started Out So Nice” is a lovely blues ballad, which is either about the end of a relationship, the loss of innocence, or both. “Halfway Up The Stairs” is the closest to a pop number on the album. The closing number, “Cause” is a stunner, raw and bleak with stanzas like “because my heart has become a crooked hotel full of rumors, but it’s I who pays the rent,’, that profiles various people and continues with lines like ‘cause they told me everybody’s got to pay their dues, and I had overpaid them.’, it all simply illustrates the toll of our class struggles, and the road that leads to self-destruction. Brilliant closer.

    His honesty might not be for everyone, but I hope he continues. While the material might be a fraction less than what was on ‘Cold Fact’, that margin is by very little, this holds up well. We need truth more than lies anyways – his reality is pretty deep.

I decided to launch a new series to imagine myself as a critic at the end of the 60s and start of the 70s, and to rectify certain reviews from Rolling Stone magazine and Creem. This not meant to be contrarian, but to offer a more balanced perspective. These albums are lesser-known titles.

Rodriguez: Cold Fact (1970)

****

Producers: Mike Theodore, Dennis Coffey

Musicians: Sixto Rodriguez, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore, Andrew Smith, Bob Pangdon, Bob Babbit, Detroit Symphony, Carl Reatz

Songs: Sugarman, Only Good For Conversation, Crucify Your Mind, This is Not A Song – it’s an outburst or the Establishment Blues, Hate Street Dialogue, Forget It, Inner City Blues, I Wonder, Like Janis, Gommorah (A Nursery Rhyme), Rich Folks Hoax, Jane S. Piddy

Reviewed by Matthew Anthony Allair

    Why isn’t anyone paying attention to this artist? Rodriguez is a Mexican Troubadour song writer, a folk and rock stylist whose candid and incisive lyrics might be on par with Dylan. He also has a stronger and more accessible singing voice than Mr. Zimmermann, the support players and orchestral arrangements simply augment and add coloring to his performances I haven’t heard in a while a singer who has been this compelling. He feels authentically street in a manor that other singers merely feign to be street smart. Rodriguez wrote all of the songs except for two written by his producers. Dylan has cultivated such a mystique about his origins that it’s difficult to gauge his class background, but Rodriguez observations make one suspect he’s seen some squalor. 

    The opening track, “Sugar Man” is obviously about a pusher, but it resolves into a psychedelic deluge at the end, the keyboards and orchestrations have an eerie quality. “Only Good For Conversation” opens with some heavy guitar that sets up the mood for a tale of a manipulative person. “Crucify Your Mind” along with the open track is probably one of the better tracks and most accessible for radio, it’s penetrating honesty is haunting. “This Is Not A Song, It’s an Outburst: Or the Establishment Blues”, while self-explanatory is a scathing comment on what he sees and covers some broad points. “Hate Street Dialogue” is one of the few songs not written by Rodriguez but stays true to the tone of the material. “Forget It” is the disillusionment song but also reveals musically he is a very sophisticated writer.

    “Inner City Blues” features some more intense lyrics and good acoustic lead blues support, the atmospheric string arrangement reminds me of Bobby Gentry’s ‘Ode To Billy Joe’. The next track is again one of the stronger ones, “I Wonder” has a very spry drum and rolling bass figure that quickly pulls you in. “Like Janis” has a pop sensibility but lyrically it is about someone who sees through the façade of another. “Gommorah (A Nursery Rhyme)” is another song written by the producer, while it’s shifts are interesting, it doesn’t quite work for me. Things are back on form  with “Rich Folks Hoax” which feels very honest and real to me. The closer “Jane S. Piddy” is a satisfying revolve with lines like ‘You’re a loser, a rebel, a cause without’, about the resignation of a person who gave up on their potential. The guitar work from Coffey and Keyboard work from Theodore is quite strong. The band simply enhances the material. An outstanding debut from a man who seems to look past the surface and seems to insist on breaking down the facades of society.

We send our sincerest condolences and warmest regards to Bonnie, Eva, Sandra and Regan and all his close family, and hope that they will always be comforted by the knowledge that the love they had for this wonderful man is felt and shared by so many other people all over the world, and his wonderful music will be continue to be loved and enjoyed for many years.

As a tribute to Rodriguez, we ask you to please watch and listen to this beautiful tribute to Rodriguez by Graham Gillot and the Graham Gillot Band Band, who toured as Rodriguez’s backing band.

An organ-driven jazzy instrumental version of “Sugar Man” released by Joe Tatton Trio with Lucas De Mulder on guitar in July 2024. Off the album “Galáctico“.

A random and incomplete selection of versions of Sugar Man available on Spotify

Real, Raw & Local

Our production; Rodriguez, The Man – The Music, consists of 4 kids from the 70s who can no longer contain themselves about how the music of Rodriguez changed their lives. Cold Fact was the centre piece among albums like Band On The Run by Paul McCartney, Machine Head by Deep Purple and Goats Head Soup by the Rolling Stones. This was the music we could not wait to get home from school and listen to. Cold Fact was the soundtrack to us flinging our school bags into the corner, ripping off our uniforms and hastily pulling on our cozzies so we could go play on Gonubie beach (fill your after school activities in here). Then when we got home, we’d listen to it again. Man, that record just never got old. And it still isn’t. 

So, these kids from the 70s are Flip Squad, Roy Kassel and James Kibby, each having a story to tell and songs to play from the legend that was Rodriguez. We have already performed to sold out houses at Alma Cafe, The Sound Garden, Brass Bell and Karoo Saloon. This isn’t just a tribute show, it’s a time machine thats guaranteed to make you remember.. 

Tickets from Quicket

“Touring with the Legend” is the ultimate Rodriguez tribute show. Get to know the man behind the Legend, as the show celebrates the music of Rodriguez, with personal stories from the road during his tours in South Africa and the USA.

Featuring a Live Band with song list including: I wonder, Sugarman, Crucify your mind, Streetboy, Only good for conversation, You’d like to admit it, Climb up on my music, Halfway up the stairs, Forget it, Jane S Piddy, Like Janis, Hate Street, Establishment Blues, Inner City Blues, Can’t get away, To whom this may concern, Rich folks, etc

The show is presented by Graham Gillot, who personally toured several times with Rodriguez, from 2004 in SA, to his very last US tour in Feb 2020, just before the Covid pandemic hit, cancelling the rest of his US tours. Sadly, due to this, Rodriguez never toured again. (During those last shows, Rodriguez actually predicted the severity of Covid, even before the lockdowns.)

Graham was privileged to be part of the Rodriguez story and to perform with the Legend in South Africa and the USA over the years as guitarist and music director. Rodriguez used to say, “We are ‘making Rock n Roll History!’”

From big arena concerts, to small intimate theatre venues, beyond the hype of the shows, Graham shared many special moments and precious memories with Rodriguez. Some of the best times were spent, simply jamming along to some of Rodriguez’s new songs that were never recorded or performed live.

Learn about the meaning behind some of Rodriguez’ most famous lyrics, get behind the scenes of the movie, and discover what ultimately happened to the money and royalties. In addition, hear the story behind the unrecorded songs and the third album that never happened.

The show includes visuals and production with interviews, stories from the road, and unseen footage of the last tour.

Celebrate the life and the music of a Legend, who influenced and changed so many people’s lives, in ways he never knew. We honour and pay tribute to Rodriguez the Legend – star of the movie ‘Searching for Sugar Man’.

The Cold Facts

• On stage with the Legend
• Backstage with Rodriguez
• Detroit and his musical, political lyrics
• Behind the scenes of the movie and the aftermath
• What happened to the royalties and the money?
• The unrecorded songs and the 3rd album that never happened

About Graham Gillot

Graham grew up in the Garden Route, South Africa, which is where he first played with Rodriguez in 2004. In Cape Town he played in various bands including DNA Strings, Jesse Jordan Band and many others. Graham later moved to the USA with his unique aerial “Flying Guitarist Act,” which was featured on ‘Americas Got Talent’ and ‘Britains Got Talent.’

He toured with the top US 10-piece corporate event band Powerhouse, led by the guitarist from Roy Orbison, as well as many other artists and bands in the US.

>Simon Cowell: “Fantastic act”

>Howard Stern: “Great guitar player”

>George W Bush (ex-president): “Excellent guitarist”

>Bob Taylor (Taylor guitars): “Versatile guitarist playing many styles”

>Rodriguez: “Graham is a combination of Eric Clapton, Eddie van Halen and Hendrix. I love the way he plays, especially when he lets go and opens up.”

Tour dates

2 Feb The Music Kitchen – (PE/Gqeberha)

3 Feb Summit Lifestyle Event Centre. – East London

4 Feb Summit Lifestyle Event Centre. – East London

9 Feb Die Bush Lapa – George

10 Feb ReedValley – Mossel Bay

23 Feb Aasvoël Klub – Bloemfontein

25 Feb Tyger Valley Barnyard – Cape Town

28 Feb Suncoast Barnyard – Durban

1 March Barnyard Silverstar – JHB

2 March Menlyn Barnyard – Pretoria

3 March Emperors Palace Barnyard – JHB

Tickets from Quicket
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/236416-climb-up-on-my-music-a-tribute-to-rodriguez/#/

Rodriguez

Real name Jesus Sixto (pronounced Sees-too) Diaz-Rodriguez (10 July 1942 – 8 August 2023)

Rodriguez changed the lives of a lot of kids in the 70’s. 

Cold Fact was the go to album for some comfort and escape in the tumultuous and heavily authoritarian place that was South Africa at the time. He sold more records here than Elvis.

He was bigger than the Rolling Stones, whereas back home in Detroit he was barely known. His story was documented in Searching For Sugarman, a movie put together by South Africans Stephen Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom (directed by Malik Bendjelloul) which won a BAFTA award for best documentary.

Rodriguez performed in South Africa more than 30 times between 1998 and the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

Real, Raw & Local

Our production, Climb Up On My Music – A Tribute To Rodriguez, consists of 4 kids from the 70’s who can no longer contain themselves about how the music of Rodriguez changed their lives. Cold Fact was the centre piece among albums like Band On The Run by Paul McCartney, Machine Head by Deep Purple and Goats Head Soup by the Rolling Stones. This was the music we could not wait to get home from school and listen to. Cold Fact was the soundtrack to us flinging our school bags into the corner, ripping off our uniforms and hastily pulling on our cozzies so we could go play on Gonubie beach (fill your after school activities in here). Then when we got home, we’d listen to it again. Man, that record just never got old. And it still isn’t. 

So, these kids from the 70’s are Flip Squad, Roy Kassel and James Kibby, each having a story to tell and songs to play from the legend that was Rodriguez. This isn’t just a tribute show, it’s a time machine that’s guaranteed to make you remember..

The show will feature projected photographs of Rodriguez by Nardus Engelbrecht

Tickets through Quicket

Rodriguez

Real name Jesus Sixto (pronounced Seez-too) Diaz-Rodriguez (10 July 1942 – 8 August 2023)

— Wikipedia

Rodriguez changed the lives of a lot of kids in the 70s. Cold Fact was the go-to album for some comfort and escape in the tumultuous and heavily authoritarian place that was South Africa at the time. He sold more records here than Elvis.

He was bigger than the Rolling Stones, whereas back home in Detroit he was barely known. His story was documented in Searching For Sugar Man, a movie put together by South Africans Stephen “Sugar” Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom (directed by Malik Bendjelloul) which won an Oscar for best documentary.

Rodriguez performed in South Africa more than 30 times between 1998 and the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

Paying tribute to him are 4 different acts from Cape Town, South Africa, each of whom give their take on how his music influenced them.

The musicians are James Kibby, Roy Kassel, Lydney Crots and the duo Flip Squad.

The show will feature projected photographs of Rodriguez by Nardus Engelbrecht.

Remembering Sugar Man will combine all the amazing elements of Rodriguez’s life into a celebratory performance which will emulate the classic The Sewer experience.

Tickets are available on Barnyard’s website on the link below:
https://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/show.aspx?sid=1262&vid=25

Sixto Rodriguez – 10 July 1942 to 8 August 2023

Dear Stephen,

I hope this e-mail finds you well, in accordance with what the recent events allow.

First of all, I am still in shock, in times like these, I reflect on the importance of living life before it slips away – grasping it steadily, like Mr. Rodriguez always did, at least in through my eyes. But at least I am forever glad that Mr. Rodríguez’s story saw the light and I witnessed it all unfold.

Secondly, in name of my dearest friend Luzia (also an immense Rodriguez admirer, from whom I received the sad news through one of the most desperate phone calls I ever heard) and me, we would kindly ask, if you could extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Rodriguez’s family and friends. For unreasonable as it might seem, although we never actually met him, we felt his presence and his departure as if we shared a living for a lifetime. His legacy and life lessons will unquestionably forever live in us and in many, many Portuguese fans.

Lastly, we would be infinitely grateful if you could please share the following poem that me and friend Luzia recently drafted in homage of Mr. Rodríguez with his family, in hopes that it encompasses our true appreciation for everything he was and stood for. Here it is:

To he who was scrapped by the neon void

As a street boy in the streets of Detroit

To he who vanished through a wonder vest

Broken and omnipotent like a Rorschach test

To he who inhabits the winds as freedom

Another pair of teeth to gnaw at solitude and forced unwisdom

of fools who forever colonize the same result

Oh to he, another arm to write revolt

Oh to he, who whispers a most disgusting truth

While waiving the lingering dreams of youth

Oh to thee, how shiny and complete can one be

To run for the office of souls, so bound and free

Fetching considerations with no draining anger

Waking the marauders with a brave clangour

And with an arrow large and crisp and fresh

Magical silvery sounds cut our flesh

As pierced our illusions through an ever-growing song

For you and me to lift the day-break prong.

Maybe today, maybe today he’ll slip

Far away, far away, to the sleep

With no walkers in the paper rain

No icy tears melting down the drain

No dread and sexy losing game

No windy thoughts by yesterday’s lane

No reason to go insane, no

Just an eternal Buddha standing in the doubtful purple sea

And a spoonful of sugar to bitter the being in me.

Forever thankful for Mr. Rodriguez and his beaming light,

Luzia & Pedro
Lisbon, Portugal

I came across Sixto Rodriguez Diaz by pure chance, and I fell in love
with his music straight away! ‘I think of you’ gets me emotional every
time!!

I bought ‘Cold Fact and Coming From Reality’, and these are 2 of my best
listening albums..

I still cant believe this man never got the credit he deserved when he
first released these albums…Thank you South Africa for realising the
REAL potential of this poet, Musician all round incredible Man and
bringing him back to the world!

Mr Rodriguez, Thank you for the music.

Antonio
Berlin, Germany

Thank you for all your great songs and a unique life story.. Your thoughts and spirit have touched the hearts and souls of many of us.. I will be forever grateful to have had a chance to see you perform live in Bratislava (Stara trznica, 2018). I will keep the memory live for the rest of my life. May your soul rest in peace!

Lucia, Slovakia

Dear Family of Sixto.

Thank you for all your great songs and a unique life story.. Your
thoughts and spirit have touched the hearts and souls of many of us.. I
will be forever grateful to have had a chance to see you perform live in
Bratislava (Stara trznica, 2018). I will keep the memory live for the
rest of my life. May your soul rest in peace!

I loved the movie: SEACHING FOR SUGAR MAN. I met Sixto the second time we went to see the film at the Landmark Theater in West Los Angeles. I gave him a copy of my film: WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT U.S. FOREIGN POLICY and a copy of the anti-war book i publish titled: ADDICTED To WAR by Joel Andreas. Some years ago I got a call from one of his daughters. I forget her name, but she’s the one who was in the Air Force. She was going through his things and found the copy of ADDICTED To WAR that I had given to him. And she called me just to talk. I was thrilled. It was one of my all-time favorite movies. What an incredible story. Almost to hard to believe. I told everyone to see that film. Sixto Rodriguez – PRESENTE –
www.addictedtowar.com

Frank Dorrel, USA

Devastated to hear of his passing. I saw him in Canberra in the 80s. What I saw was a talented musician, but seemed a little nervous. I loved his songs, and he had much to say. RIP Sixto

Kathy Scott, Australia

To everyone at Sugarman.org,

Like many others round the world, I’m deeply saddened to hear that the wonderful Sixto Rodriguez has passed away. His story, his music, and what he stood for as a person, meant a great deal to me. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

I did want to share one thing, in the hope it brings you a bit of consolation: just last month, on 10th July, I marked what I called “Rodriguez Day”!

I took my guitar out to a local park and played through all of Cold Fact. My sister made a Happy Birthday Rodriguez sign, which we put up on the bench, and a bunch of my friends (a couple of whom hadn’t heard his music before!) came by to join. It is already a special memory for me, and we were all quite literally brought together because of Sixto’s music!

I’d actually meant to do this last year, to mark his 80th – but life did indeed get in the way! (I was bartending at a festival, I think). 81 didn’t feel like as memorable a year to mark, but I was determined not to miss it this year. It’s bittersweet to me that, in the end, we marked his last birthday.

For me at least, this is a tradition I’d like to keep alive – dedicating that day to the simple joy of playing music with friends. I am so very, very thankful for Sixto’s awesome music, and I hope a tradition like that would do him justice.

Very best wishes,

Ashley, UK

Sixto grande artista: riposa in pace.

Andrea, Italy

We are all sad to hear that Sixto Rodriguez has passed away. May his soul rest in peace – his music will live forever. Thank you.

Sincerely yours

Henning Thoresen, Norway

My deepest condolences to Rodriguez’s family and friends at these difficult moments.
Rest in peace, dear Rodriguez. Your beautiful soul and enormous talent touched so many people around the world.

Noemí, Catalunya

Please pass on my condolences to Sixto’s family. He was a big part of my teen years. We saw him live at Bluesfest a few years ago he was fantastic. RIP

Col Ferderer, Australia

Thank you for your art, you changed the world.

J Logic, USA

To the children of Mr. Rodriguez,

My heartfelt condolences. The documentary brought Sugarman into my life but this morning’s news cannot take him out again. I was so humbled by your father’s integrity and stoicism, and his music was just the creative cream on top. I’ve taken today to share his music and story with some new people…seems better than lighting a candle.

Love and respect,

Jay Clark, Australia

Tu es un des tous meilleurs ! Ya pas photo. Merci Sixto. La charge des labeurs de ta vie illumine la beauté de ton âme et de ton talent, ton genie.. Repose en paix Sixto, et regarde nous avec compassion, malgré tout.

Jahcky, France

by natural accidental coincidence i stumbled into the news that Sixto passed today. wow im just a regular guy who proudly raised an American family who once again… ‘stumbled’ across Sixto’s life & lyric story about 2010. since about then I’ve lived silently with a dog in a log cabin in Missouri. Sixtos lyrics & music bring solace and reality into perspective. Thank You Sixto May God Rest Your Soul

Todd, USA

Thank you, Mr Rodriguez, for your marvellous music

Lisa Carr, Australia

We salute you, your music was unique, beautiful and so real. Our thoughts are with your nearest and dearest
RIP SUGARMAN

Peter & Jane Harrison, Scotland

saddened to hear of his passing. he filled my youth with song.

’cause the sound of his song echoes in my head still

Geoff, Australia

I was saddened to learn of Sixto’s passing. Sincere condolences to all who loved him.

Patrick Kerber, USA

Sending love and condolences to Rodriguez’s family.
A brilliant humanist and musician. So much compassion and humility in one man that has inspired legions of people around the world for his truth and depth of spirit.
A highlight of our lives was seeing him perform live in Toronto.
May his music and his life continue to inspire. Thank you Rodriguez

Megan Wardrop, Canada

My deepest condolences.
I attended his show at Carnival City.
Any live broadcast of the funeral online?
If extra cash was available I would have attended the funeral in person myself in Detroit
RIP Rodriguez you will be in my thoughts for years to come

Rob, South Africa

Que placer escucharte, tu historia fué muy inspiradora para mi!
Gracias por tanto Sixto!!!

Guillermo, Uruguay

RIP dear precious Sixto. Thank you for your wonderful songs, music, and your life. Condolences to your family. Long time fan. 

Marcía, USA

My heart goes out to Rodriguez and his Family. Finding his music was one of the greatest things to have happened to me. His music is truly humbling and inspiring. He will always be the most important artist to me. Learning about his life, I have nothing but respect. I see him as a man most should aspire to be like. May his music pass throughout generations.
Rest in peace Sugarman

Alex Zamora, USA

Singer-Songwriter and Musician. Sixto Rodriguez, commonly recognized as Rodriguez, rose to prominence during the late 1960s and early 1970s with his signature song “Sugar Man” and his folk and rock albums, “Cold Fact” and “Coming from Reality.” Despite being relatively unknown in the United States, his music garnered a substantial following in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His story was the centerpiece of the 2012 Academy Award-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.” This film intricately chronicled his mysterious disappearance from the music industry and subsequent reemergence. Following the documentary’s release, Rodriguez experienced a notable increase in media attention and fan engagement. Furthermore, his albums were re-released and achieved prominent placements on charts in multiple countries. In addition, he made notable appearances on diverse television shows and toured across numerous countries and music festivals.

Bio by: Shubham

Rodriguez was bigger than The Beatles in 1970s apartheid South Africa. In this special tribute to the Mexican-American singer-songwriter who died recently, Charles Leonard explores the politics, mores and sounds that made him massive then, and also what makes him still relevant today.

Host: Charles Leonard
Guest: Darryl Accone
Photograph: Charles Leonard
Production: Reframe

Most sincerely,

Shawn Spears-Vilk

We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters – Sandra, Eva and Regan – and to all his family.

Rodriguez was 81 years old.

May His Dear Soul Rest In Peace

“Maybe today, I’ll slip away…”

Sixto Rodriguez (10 July 1942 to 8 August 2023)

Just watched the Bio of your life revolving around South African fans, and I am amazed. It was very moving, and I have very genuine feelings towards your journey in life. I once lived in the USA from 1961 to 1979. All I can say is God bless you and your family, And greetings from Scotland.

Hi,
Do you know a place that will ship a Rodriguez poster, or how to find one? There are many online but they’re all independent artists, with none of the money going to Rodriguez.
Thanks,

Mali, Australia
29 July 2023

Hello, I’m not on social media so don’t know how I can post to forum. But I wanted to send love to Rodriguez from the Himalayas in North India. His music makes me ecstatic. Just never felt this way about any other artist before. I hope he lives as long as he wants to but also just long enough so I can visit Detroit and catch a glimpse one day hahaa. If you can, please tell him he has fans in India that listen to his music everyday.

Ibadat Dabh, India
29 July 2023

Greetings…I have been a “promoter” of Sixto’s music since I first heard it, perhaps a decade ago.
I just wanted to let him and his family know how much he is appreciated and that I just recently taught my granddaughter one of his songs, which she loves. (‘I Wonder’).
A new generation of listeners and musicians is enjoying your music my brother!

Joe Mcatee, USA
25 July 2023

Hello, I was in San Francisco for the last three shows of Dead & Co last week. While in an Uber on the way to the last show I heard music that I really liked. I leaned over the driver’s shoulder and caught the name Rodriguez and put it in my notes on my I-phone. When I returned to Spokane where I live, I began to listen. At first when I heard his voice I thought he reminded me of the late Harry Chapin—I hope that’s a compliment. I just finished reading all about Rodriguez and I am fascinated and in disbelief at the age of 59 that I have discovered this relic of American music so much later in my life! He is on par with Dylan for sure. I can’t wait to watch the documentary and learn more about this American treasure! Thank you for all you have done! 

Patrick Kezer, USA
23 July 2023

Happy belated birthday Sixto! You are the thought and the conscience – through your music, you are a giver of love and insight yesterday, today and tomorrow 

Eternal blessings and many, many, many thanks for all your music!

Max Dale, USA
18 July 2023

Happy Birthday Sixto!

I absolutely love your music and the movie Searching for Sugarman. God bless you so much, brother! I especially love the song: “Cause“….just brilliant and haunting. I hope you are well, sir.

Peace,

Ken Burg, Minneapolis, United States
11 July 2023

You still have the email I sent a long time ago, {Cliff, New Zealand, August 2000}, on your site. I check it out every so often when I’m looking over my collectables. Would you believe those 2 LP’s are still in my cupboard, unplayed for 23 years.

Vinyl still in mint condition but inside sleeves have been chewed a bit by unknown creatures who like paper. One day the price will motivate me to put them up for sale.

Cheers

Cliff, Australia
9 July 2023

From the shore of Lake Superior here in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula thank you for some of the best music I’ve ever heard by anyone. I put on both of your albums (both sides btw) a few times a month. You have provided joy to this house for countless hours and will continue to do so forever.

Greg Sandell, United States
2 July 2023

Hi Sixto,
I just want to say thank you for sharing your beautiful lyrics with the world, I’ve enjoyed listening to you in my youth and enjoy your songs even more today. Timeless poetry, many thanks and love from Australia

God Bless

Michael Bourke, Australia
20 June 2023

Best Wishes for your Retirement. I just recently watched your documentary and it is by far the most interesting story I have ever heard. I am enjoying your music that is 50 years old and is far superior to any other music made today. I really enjoyed your apperance on the David Letterman show. And from watching the documentary you have a beautiful Family.

Best Wishes Always. 

Jimmy Lavender, United States
18 June 2023

Unbelievable, I’m so nervous to write to you. Worried you won’t read this yet more fearful of not receiving a response. Here goes, I have borrowed movies from my local library’s for over 30 years. I came across your documentary ‘Searching for Sugar Man’. I sat up and listened attentively as I watched. I’m sorry that I don’t have the words to describe all of the emotions I felt during your documentary. I can tell you I wept. I have never heard lyrics so poetic, heartfelt, and just plain empowering. I’ve watched your concerts in you tube, shared your music with others whenever I could. But when I tell your story to others I cry, and am emotionally overwhelmed. Wow, unbelievable, “Crucify your mind” is one of the most lyrically intellectual poetic musical pieces I have ever heard. As are many of your songs. I have never been a groupie. I would love absolutely love to meet you. Just sit in your presence and allow your wisdom to rain on me for a few brief moments. I know this won’t happen, however I’m estatic to have written this to you, Sixto Rodriguez.

Candi, USA
14 June 2023

I just found this page, and wanted just to say that Rodriguez, your melodies, harmonies, lyrics have shaped my childhood, shaped me. I am 18, and grew up with your words in your voice ringing in my head, and their intelligence, beauty, meaning will never leave me.
It has been honestly mind blowing to see so many other people of such different ages to me have the exact same experience with you music, decades ago. You really are something else – your voice and message transcends eras.
Thank you, really, for your music.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery, and everything else!

Peace and love,

Ines, England
6 June 2023

Aloha,

We are so grateful for you Mr Sixto Rodriguez and trust you are & your family are in good health.

I am South African.
Your music gave us hope.
An inspired way of Being.
Of Seeing the World.
Your humilty & gentle nature are your arrows of effectiveness.
Your music

Bernadette Griebenow, United States
3 June 2023

Dear Mr. Rodriguez

I wish I had the opportunity to tell you in person how you shaped me as a human being.
As a young boy I discovered your album in my parents collection and so began the growth of me.
I go by the online name of The W’o’anderer, that is a homage to you and your music.
The first date I had with my wife I introduced her to Cold Fact and I have never seen a person cry so much at watching Searching For Sugarman.

I missed you at The Royal Albert Hall and with that a bucket list achievement passed as I unfortunately also missed you in South Africa when I lived there.

Over here in the UK BBC 6 Music dedicated an entire day to you calling your album one of the rarest discoveries in the world. That was an amazing day for me.

In closing I want to thank you for being a part of my growth and for singing the lyrics that resonate in my heart, soul and mind.

Thank you for shaping me into the man I am.
Forever a fan

Peace, Love and Understanding always

Bradley Jennings (The W’o’anderer)
United Kingdom

Hey fella,
I happened to watch “Searching for Sugarman” again today and I thought I’d drop you a line. Your words, your haunting voice, your arrangements……..WOW. You have got more talent in your pinkie finger than most could wish for. It seems that when I listen to a song again, I pick something up that I didnt catch the last time around.
When I fire up one of your tunes in the car, a first time listener is completely stunned that they’ve never heard of you. Thanx for the great music sir and heres to good health and music.

Murray
Canada

Rodriguez,
My son in law asked me to watch Searching for Sugarman documentary while visiting and seeing my grandkids last week. Such an incredible story!! I bought him your three cds, and ordered vinyl for myself. I listened to your songs from Texas to Colorado, and absolutely love them! Your quiet spirit and humbleness speaks volumes about you. It must have felt so cool to walk out on stage at that first concert in South Africa!
Bless you, and thank goodness for the gentlemen that went looking for you, and bringing you to the attention of the world.
Very sincerely,

Gary Musgrave (Just one of your millions of followers)
Colorado, USA
7 May 2023

I saw Searching for Sugarman the year after it came out and was bowled over/moved to my core…I saw he was coming to the Warfield in SF 6 yrs ago, bought front row seats, and was mesmerized–transported in time. it will be a memory for life. He is an affirmation of the human spirit. I bought a dozen DVDs of the movie and gave to family and friends, and when he came to NYC I bought tix to go see him again and ended up not being able to get there from CA and gave tix to a good friend, and made some new fans for Sixto. My warmest wishes for his recovery and a hope that I will see him again. Thanks to all those that support him and keep his story alive..

Marc Rogers
USA

Dear Rodriguez. I am very saddened to hear about your stroke and loss of vision. However, knowing that you are recovering well and staying strong is most inspiringly and I wish you strong health.

I turn to this forum to reach to you, in hope that you could listen to my music and nothing else. I have been inspired by you since I saw your documentary, when I was a young dreaming musician dealing with hopes and disappointments.

Being born in Sweden with Chilean heritage, I somehow related so much to your humanistic perspective and music. Being heavily inspired by your music means that you gave me the courage to use my own Spanish name as an artist and i intend to keep it like that. As I live in a Nordic country- people certainly get surprised when they hear that my music is like soft rock and not rap or reggaeton.

Rodriguez! I certainly write music for my own pleasure and expression, however, the idea of you listening to my music just once, would somehow be a spiritual experience for me.

I will amateurishly link my spotify here!

Best regards,

Patricio Fuentes
Sweden

Hi there from NZ. I want you to know that Sixto’s awesome music wasn’t entirely unknown in my country..it was a significant part of my youth in the 70s & 80s.

I was introduced to it by a workmate. God only knows how he came across this wonderful music, but I’m so happy he did.
I’m aware Sixto has had some health issues in recent times, but I trust he is doing better now..?

It is soo gratifying to see him finally get the recognition he so richly deserves..always humble, the man is an inspiration.
thanks again! 

Connor Lowndes
Christchurch, New Zealand

Hi! I only can say, OMG. Last weekend I saw the film sugarman because my little brother told me. He loves music, and before the film he loves Sixto’s music.

Really is amazing how there are people around the world doing fabulous things, and however, if that things don’t arrive in a good hands probably it will be hidden in a box.

I need to write Sixto for say him thanks, and thanks for make the film and be able to discover his music. Now I have 2 children of 3 years and 6 months, and it’s difficult to get time.

Really thanks for all. I wish you all the best.

David Garcia, Spain
14 April 2023

Thanks for spreading your heartfelt joy to us via your beautiful music and your thoughtful expression of life. I often shed tears of joy listening to your music. Thanks for your example of living fully and truly and teaching that to be rich does not require money. You have a beautiful soul of an artist, Thanks for sharing what you have. Peace, love and prosperity to you and your family. 

Jojo Bone (aka Michael Warpenburg), United States
9 April 2023

Hello
Fortunately I finally saw Searching for Sugarman. It was a religious experience that moved me to tears. The Christ-like energy you embody is one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever witnessed. Thank you for giving me hope that humanity can transcend anything we are given and regardless of our situation, it’s what’s in our hearts that really matters.

God Bless

Roy Holland, America

Dear Rodriguez, my new soulmate

I just recently found you and your music after seeing the sugar man documentary on tv. It’s hard to put into words how this affected me. At the age of 77 I have to say to you, you are truly an angel on earth and a beautiful man. I will cherish the moment I discovered you and you will live on in my heart forever.

My very best wishes to you for a good recovery, and many more years of making music.

I was able to find one of your LP’s on line and ordered it immediately so I can groove with you forever!

God bless you my friend. . . .

Judy McCann
10 March 2023

Hi there Mr Rodriguez

I am a South African fan living in Toronto. I am heading to Detroit in April. My husband and I are doing a road trip in your honour.

Thank you for all your beautiful music. Just genius and beautiful to listen to.

I would love to bring some of my banana bread and flowers to your door to wish you well when I am there.

All the best

Louise, Canada

Dear Sixto thank you for not giving up on us. 
My wish is to meet you in the near future in concert. Sending my sincerest Love to you & fam.

Sincerely,
Tor Arild, Norway

Sr. Rodríguez, les he descubierto, me ha impactado y me ha inspirado para el resto de mi vida..sus ojos han visto tanto.. y su alma ha sentido tanto….este mundo a veces tan cruel no merece una alma tan bella com la suya. Es usted una luz en la oscuridad. Ojalá pudiera regalarnos otros discos, obras maestras del gran poeta Rodríguez antes de dajarnos.

Mr. Rodríguez, I have discovered you, it has impacted me and has inspired me for the rest of my life…your eyes have seen so much…and your soul has felt so much…this sometimes cruel world does not deserve a soul as beautiful as yours. You are a light in the dark. I wish he could give us other records, masterpieces by the great poet Rodríguez before leaving us.

Sonia Guerrero Carmona, Spain

Sometimes, I’m walking with my headphones, listening to my Rodriguez playlist, and as I walk through the streets, I look at people, and see them acting, smiling, and then I realise that I just feel good. Especially when on comes ‘Inner City Blues’. Rodriguez always has a certain kindness in his melodies, with a touch of humour. His lyrics, I feel, tells it like it is..”just be yourself and laugh and forget it”. How is it even possible that a guy with just a pen, some paper, a guitar and some kind of mysterious thing that most call talent or genius can move so many hearts ? Like Dostoevsky said “art will save the world” and I have nothing else to say than: Long live the music of the Sugarman!

A. the Curious, France

My sister and I will be in Detroit tomorrow to visit our late father’s favourite haunts.
Wondering if Rodriguez is still performing locally? If so, please send us any information.
We LOVE him

Becky (Vancouver BC Canada)
Gail (Columbus Ohio)

Rodriguez captures our IMAGINATION! When we saw him in Tucson in 2013, he was so AMAZING! The crowd had all ages and was full of excitement the two hours before his concert started. And then Rodriguez DELIVERED!

Dave and Margie Davis, USA

On July 10, Detroit singer-songwriter and subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary, “Searching for Sugarman,” Sixto Rodriguez turned 81. Later that week, a collection of Detroit’s top rock ’n’ roll musicians gathered at Cadieux Cafe to celebrate and honor the local minstrel who often was spotted walking the streets of Detroit with a guitar case on his back.

Read More >>>

On this special day we are also very happy to share and report the news that Rodriguez is recovering well from his recent health problems and should be well enough to attend the special ‘81^st Rodriguez Birthday Celebration Show’ that will be taking place on Thursday 13^th July at 6.30pm at the Cadieux Café in Detroit. 

This musical celebration and tribute will be hosted by Doug Podell and will feature a host of Detroit musical acts including The Orbitsuns, and Muruga Cosmic Boogie featuring the legendary Dennis Coffey who, along with Mike Theodore, was the producer of Rodriguez’s first album, ‘Cold Fact’.

It has now been 25 years since we first met Rodriguez and his family when they arrived in Cape Town in March 1998 for the first of his six concerts around South Africa. It was then that we had all our questions answered about this incredible artist, including his birth date and what he had been doing since mostly disappearing following the release of his two albums. (you can read more on the original ‘Great Rodriguez Hunt’ website which has been archived for 25 years!).

Rodriguez’s subsequent tour of South Africa, as portrayed in Malik Bendjelloul’s Oscar-winning documentary ‘Searching For Sugar Man’, has resulted in Rodriguez’s music, fame, and incredible story being spread around the globe, with his massive fan base now continuing to spread from China to California and everywhere in between.

We are sure that we echo the prayers, thoughts and wishes of all Rodriguez’s fans that he be blessed to celebrate many more Happy Birthdays with his loving Family and fans.

Please feel free to post your birthday wishes in the comments section below as we are sure that Rodriguez will be made aware of all of them.

Happy Birthday Rodriguez! We all love you very much!!

Sugar and Brian
(Sugarman.org)  

I am a massive fan of Rodriguez’s work!
Rodriguez’s music and story are truly inspiring.
His documentary Searching For Sugarman had a profound impact on me. It illustrated how success should be perceived and how truly moving art will always find its way.

I would like to interview Rodriguez about his musical journey, musical/songwriting practices, approaches, and philosophy.

It would be an absolute honor and privilege to interview Rodriguez.

Some of my most recent guests have been:
Victor Wooten, Vashti Bunyan, Pete Francis (Dispatch), Mark Cousins (Film Director), Kenny Werner, King Yellowman, Mike Watt (Minutemen, Iggy Pop and the Stooges), David J (Bauhaus), Joe Lally (Fugazi), Bill Stevenson (Descendents/ Black Flag), David Thomas (Pere Ubu), Richard Lloyd (Television), Adele Bertei, Lydia Lunch, Kira Roessler (Black Flag, Dos), John Langford, (Mekons, Wako Brothers), Zander Schloss (Circle Jerks, Joe Strummer), Mark Stewart (The Pop Group), Matthew Roads (Tropidelic), Micki Free, Kevin Eastman (co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Dana Colley (Morphine), Ian MacKaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat, Dischord Records), Richie Ramone (The Ramones), Doyle (The Misfits), John Doe (X), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes), and Robben Ford.

Dearly appreciate your time!
Thanks
Dave Deitke

All podcast interviews are done via phone call or Skype ( just audio is recorded) and typically run 40-60 mins.
Here are links to the podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zig-at-the-gig-podcast/id1441330825