Detroit Singer/Songwriter Sixto Rodriguez Dies at 81

Aug. 9, 2023 ~ Sixto Rodriguez, Detroit folk musician who went from obscurity to international recognition, died Tuesday evening at the age of 81.

Rodriguez released music from the late 60’s to the early 70’s, many of his songs focusing on his experiences of living in Detroit poverty. His music received little fanfare in the United States though, though his music grew a following in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. A documentary about him was released in 2012 titled “Searching for Sugar Man,” named after one of his songs, garnered him widespread attention and praise. 

WJR Senior News Analyst Marie Osborne talked more about Rodriguez’s legacy on “Focus with Paul W. Smith.”