Rodriguez (born Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, in Detroit, Michigan, July 10, 1942 – August 8, 2023) was a singer-songwriter and guitarist who built a large following throughout Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. He released his debut single "I'll Slip Away" in 1967 as "Rod Riguez." In 1970, he released his debut studio album "Cold Fact." It was followed by "Coming from Reality" (1971). Neither met commercial expectations. After the release of "Coming From Reality," it was even rumored that Rodriguez had committed suicide, a fake story examined in the 2012 documentary "Searching for Sugar Man." "Sugar Man" is the name of Rodriguez's most famous song, released in 1998. Also in 2012, both of Rodriguez's studio albums were re-released and became international hits, charting in the Top 100 in at least 10 nations alongside the compilation soundtrack for "Searching For Sugar Man," also released that year. On August 8, 2023, Rodriguez passed away at the age of 81.