QUOTE: “Rodriguez was the greatest ’70s US rock icon who never was. Momentarily hailed as the finest recording artist of his generation, he disappeared into oblivion – rising again from the ashes in a completely different context a continent away.” SBS Television will show the much-lauded documentary on Sunday night at 8.30pm.
I grew up in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia and recognized a song in this documentary from my youth. My husband was born in Durban, South Africa and played professionally in bands for many years in SA and Zambia. He also recognized Rodriguez and his songs from Cape Town university days when the lyrics were a national anthem for youth in a rapidly changing South Africa, swamped in “Apartheid”.
QUOTE: “In the mid-1970s, Rodriguez’s music gained airplay in Australia and New Zealand and he toured here finding limited success in the late 70s, returning in 1981 when Midnight Oil joined him for some shows.” It’s been announced he’ll be touring Australia this year.
The Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugarman” is beautifully made with great respect and admiration for the undeniable talent of Sixto Rodriguez – an homage to a counter-culture hero they thought had killed himself on stage. It has many lessons…
Here’s the YouTube link to the full video with subtitles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg60JmFhTMs&list=RDXg60JmFhTMs#t=8
#francesmacaulayforde #sugarman #Rodriguez #recordingartist #southafrica #apartheid #rockicon #northernrhodesia #zambia
I also have great memories of his music during the 70s in Zim, when I watched the documentary recently all the family could still sing along to the songs!
You were in Zim? I used to go shopping in Salisbury…
Yes, lived in Harare for over 25 years. Did you go to Barbours and Greatermans!!
Yup, always stayed in Meikels (sp?) Hotel and can’t – for the life of me remember the hairdresser I went to near there… I grew up in NR/Zambia from 1955 to 1975. Holidays in Durban, SA, lots of regular trips to Bulawayo, Umthali, but mostly Salisbury for shopping and R & R (for my sanity). Went to Brett’s nightclub a lot to listen to Holy Black just like my little brother, who went to school at St George’s.
Small world, hey!
I went out there in 1973, so would have walked those same streets! and by coincidence my boys also went to Saints in the late 90s, the school is still going strong.
I saw the film and was so moved by the story and the man’s demeanour when he was ‘discovered.’ Amazing on so many levels
Yes, truly enlightening.
Couldn’t help myself, I watched it again tonight on SBS – such a fabulous documentary – no wonder it won and Oscar!