Author: Emma Weaver
On August 12th, Rodríguez will be performing in our very own city of Seattle at the Moore Theatre! His music is filled with emotional depth and rhythmic tenderness and will—without a doubt—expand your musical horizon.
Sixto Diaz Rodríguez (born in the early 1940s) began his musical career in the ‘60s and initially was not as popular in the United States as he was in South Africa, for example, where he sold more records than Elvis Presley. Fifty years later, when the documentary Searching for Sugar Man (2012) was released, Rodríguez’s career and music received belated success in the U.S. but on a much grander scale. Following this onslaught of attention, the Detroit-native gained immense historical and music power and status, receiving honorary degrees and various other forms of recognition.
Rodríguez has released two main studio albums—Cold Fact (1970) and Coming from Reality (1971)—and some of his most popular songs include: “Crucify Your Mind”, “Inner City Blues”, and “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die”.
Despite his initial lack of fame, Rodríguez has served as a musical legend since the early-to-mid 1960s, with each and every one of his songs an example of his musical prowess. His music is raw and gritty, yet gentle; his voice sounds almost like Bob Dylan and his sound combines many musical instruments so that each song has its own unique combination of Rodríguez’s talent and musical vision.
What is even more amazing about Rodríguez, is that his life was such an enigma that a documentary (which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 and won an Academy Award in 2013) was created, revolving around the efforts of two South African fans attempting to discover if his rumored death was true and, if not, to discover what had become of the infamous Rodríguez.
His music is more than just songs; it’s history, emotion, passion, thought-provoking lyrics, and raw renderings of folk, Motown, and rock, intertwined in each note and melody. His music is legendary and will continue to be for years to come!
Do yourself a BIG favor and make your way over to the Moore Theatre on Sunday, August 12th, to get a sweet taste of who Rodríguez is and what he sounds like. It will be a truly breathtaking experience that I highly recommend!
STG Presents: Rodríguez at Moore Theatre on August 12th.
Door open at 7:00 PM and the show begins at 8:00 PM.
Find tickets and more information HERE.
EMMA WEAVER | KXSU Music Reporter