The music world mourns the loss of Legendary musician Sugarman. Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit native who launched a brilliant career that finally took him abroad, has passed away.
He was 81. Rodriguez died Tuesday night, according to his daughter. His contributions to music will endure, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations of artists to push boundaries and tell their own stories through music.
While he may be gone, his soulful artistry will continue inspiring generations to come. Keep scrolling to know more about him and Sixto Rodriguez cause of death.
Sugarman’s death: What happened to him?
At the age of 81, Detroit folk legend Sixto Diaz Rodriguez passed away. Although Rodriguez’s music was well-known around the world, in the United States he is most known for the Academy Award-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.”
His official Sugarman.org, page announced the demise news of Sixto Rodriguez by posting the following message,
It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez passed away earlier today. 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.
Sixto Rodriguez cause of death
Sixto Diaz Rodriguez was declared dead at the early house today, according to the management. The renowned crooner has a history of medical issues, according to reports.
His daughter Sandra has confirmed that he died away on August 8 at 17:30 Detroit time. Rodriguez suffered a stroke and had been ill for some time before his passing.
A group of artists gathered in Detroit to celebrate the vocalist of Sugar Man’s 81st birthday. “He was there for a little while, but he wasn’t in great shape,” Sugar added, noting that a “massive tribute concert” was held to cap off the festivities.
Sugar was divorced from his second wife, Konny Koskos, and left behind three daughters: Eva, Sandra, and Regan. He frequently brought his family on trips because they were so deeply involved in his professional life.
Rodriguez’s influence on music and his devoted fan base is still obvious, despite the fact that the precise reason for his death has not yet been made public.
The loss of Rodriguez signals the end of an era for the music business, but those who found comfort, inspiration, and unification in his music will never forget him or his legacy.
Illness before passing
Rodriguez has glaucoma, which has significantly reduced his vision. He consequently walks slowly and is frequently holding onto another person’s arm.
“I’m still able to make out some people in the crowd at my shows,” he says. “It’s a condition that can be treated, though early detection is very important. I can still get around, but I take things slowly.”
Sugar calls himself a “solid 70 years old,” and his family is concerned about the physical toll of his constant traveling.
“I always worry about him, and his health is one of my main concerns,” says his daughter Regan. “We took him first class and do everything we can to make it comfortable for him.”
About Sixto Diaz Rodriguez’s Life & Career
Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, also known as Rodriguez was a Detroit, Michigan-born American singer-songwriter who was active from July 10, 1942, to August 8, 2023.
Though his career began in the United States with minimal fanfare, Sugar went on to find success in South Africa, Australia (where he made two previous trips), and New Zealand.
His music was hugely popular and influential in South Africa, where he is thought to have sold more records than Elvis Presley, as well as other southern African nations, without his knowledge for many years.
There was little information available about him, and a false rumor circulated that he had killed himself soon after the release of his second record.
Dedicated South African admirers tracked out Rodriguez in the 1990s and got in touch with him, which resulted in an unexpected resurgence of his musical career.
“Searching for Sugar Man”
The 2012 award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man by Swedish television journalist Malik Bendjelloul, which chronicles Segerman and Bartholomew Strydom’s hunt for Rodriguez, was what eventually brought Rodriguez to the attention of American viewers.
The title of the movie is a reference to Rodriguez’s song “Sugar Man.” Searching for Sugar Man narrates Rodriguez’s narrative and explains why he was unaware that his music had become anthemic for listeners in other countries and why his South African followers thought he was dead in addition to tracing Segerman and Bartholomew Strydom’s journey.
The movie had its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, where it took home the Special Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema Documentary as well as the Audience Award. It continued to garner more honors, including best documentary at the 2013 BAFTA and Academy Awards.
Tributes pour in as reports of Sixto Rodriguez’s passing appear online
Fans have filled social media sites with words of thanks, sharing stories about how his music has helped them get through tough times both at home and abroad.
Also, important people in the music industry have expressed their sympathies and shared their memories of Rodriguez on social media.
Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Bruce Springsteen, among other well-known musicians, have praised him as a great musical visionary who broke rules and pushed the envelope.
OBITUARY
It’s sad to have to say goodbye to someone we love. I hope the wonderful memories you shared with Sixto Rodriguez bring you some solace. I’m writing this obituary to let you know that legendary musician Sixto Rodriguez dies after an illness. As the music industry reflects on his remarkable career, they are reminded of the power of a dedicated and compassionate artist.
His legacy lives on, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and the lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will continue to inspire and uplift for years to come.
Sixto Rodriguez, a modest and reserved man, briefly emerged from obscurity to the delight of admirers who were happy to hear those songs that brought back so many memories.
He eventually vanished and resumed his quiet existence away from the spotlight, probably feeling satisfied with a profession that had brought him a fan base that he had been blissfully ignorant of.
His unexpected “disappearance,” years spent working on construction sites and as a social worker, rumoured death, and eventual resurrection thanks to a documentary have all been well documented, and he leaves behind a significant legacy.
People always truly admired his knowledge of music & appreciation of music. We should pray for his family and friends as they navigate this road to recovery together. Please feel free to drop condolences to Sixto Rodriguez by leaving a note below in the comments section.
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