Searching for Sugar Man

[mercfan3]

I had heard about Rodriguez from a 60 minutes episode. Truly an inspirational, almost fairytale story. His music is fantastic too.

He was signed in the early 60s, and his record company expected him to be a smash, but he barely sold anything. His second album did the same, and he lost his contract.

However, somehow South Africa got a hold of his music, and he's actually bigger than Elvis, the Stones, and the Beatles there. The man was essentially the voice/music of anti-apartheid.

The kicker was, he didn't even know it until two men, fans, tracked him down. Which is what the documentary was about.

And the thing is, when you listen to his interview..you just fall in love with him. Such a beautiful, unique person. A good example is that Rodriguez chose not to attend the Oscars because he did not want any credit to be taken away from the film makers.

Here's a song of his
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyE9vFGKogs

and here's the 60 minute special (but I really recommend the documentary)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0VI7TLLV3o

I'll buy his albums the second I figure out if he gets any of the royalties.

[cherelann]

This story is sad and inspiring at the same time. It boggles the mind that he never benefited from his success in South Africa. Needless to say, the documentary is in my Netflix Queue... . Thanks MF3!!

[My Alter Ego]

Yes, it is an amazing, humbling, heart rending yet inspiring story. I hope that he gets enough that the rest of his years will be comfortable.

[mercfan3]

I know, apparently though, he continues to give away a majority of the money he makes to family and loved ones. His daughter said it makes him happy to be able to do that. Just touching.

[My Alter Ego]

I know, apparently though, he continues to give away a majority of the money he makes to family and loved ones. His daughter said it makes him happy to be able to do that. Just touching.

And, as long as his family returns his gifts by ensuring that he can live reasonably comfortable for the remainder of his days, that's perfectly fine with me.

[mercfan3]

I'm sure they will/do.

I just think that's part of what makes his story so inspiring. This is a man who deserved much more than life gave him, and yet he's at peace with it..and happy...and giving.

[cherelann]

After 3 1/2 months the video finally came today. Netflix said it would be a long wait.

Sixto Rodriguez is a testament that a life lived without fame, fortune or bitterness can be a life well lived...

[buzzenator]