Sixto Rodriguez, a folk musician from Detroit, lived a life of relative anonymity in the United States. He worked blue-collar jobs, seemingly destined for a life far removed from the glitz and glamour of rock stardom. Unbeknownst to him, thousands of miles away in South Africa, Rodriguez had become a musical icon. His albums, filled with protest songs and poignant lyrics, struck a chord with a generation yearning for change during the apartheid era.
Rodriguez's music spread like wildfire through South Africa, becoming a soundtrack for resistance and hope. His songs were smuggled into the country, bypassing government censorship, and his albums outsold Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Yet, Rodriguez remained completely unaware of his immense popularity. Rumors circulated about his fate, with many believing he had died.
The truth was far more surprising. A group of dedicated South African fans embarked on a mission to find their musical hero. Their search led them to Detroit, where they finally located Rodriguez, alive and well, but completely oblivious to his legendary status. The discovery led to a triumphant tour of South Africa, where Rodriguez finally experienced the adoration he had unknowingly earned decades earlier. His story, a testament to the power of music and the enduring impact of art, continues to inspire.
Rodriguez: Detroit Musician Unaware of South African Rock Stardom
Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit musician, lived in obscurity in the United States while unknowingly achieving rock legend status in South Africa. His music resonated deeply, outselling Elvis and the Beatles in the country. This is the incredible story of a man whose songs touched millions, yet remained unaware of his global impact. Bob Simon reported on Rodriguez's remarkable journey.
Source: Read the original article at CBS