Rock Docs Podcast: Searching for Sugar Man
Rock Docs returns in time for awards season with a look at a documentary that tells one of the more fascinating comeback stories in rock music. For this week’s episode, your hosts Andy Keatts and David Lizerbram have a chat about Searching for Sugar Man, a 2012 film about the long-forgotten Detroit balladeer Rodriguez, his mysterious fame in South Africa, and his rediscovery. It was directed by Malik Bendjelloul.
Sixto Rodriguez, who recorded as Rodriguez, had a brief recording career from the late 60s and early 70s. He sold “about 6” records in the U.S., but, unbeknownst to him, his music became wildly popular in South Africa. Rumors abounded about his ultimate fate. Finally, a few intrepid South Africans decided to try to track the man down. The rest is rock docs history.
Searching for Sugar Man also won the award for Best Documentary at the 85th Academy Awards, held in 2013, in addition to a bunch of other awards (seriously, just check out how long that section of the Wikipedia page is).
Hear this week’s episode below, and watch the trailer for the 2012 film.
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