Searching for “Sugar Man”, Rodriguez in Detroit

A Visit to Sixto Rodriguez’s Resting Place

On a recent visit to Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in southwest Detroit, I set out in search of Detroit native and singer-songwriter, the elusive “Sugar Man,” Sixto Rodriguez.

Much like the Academy Award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man, which chronicles his life’s journey and the difficulties in finding him after decades of obscurity, I too struggled to locate his final resting place. It wasn’t until I spotted a lone, black granite gravestone along the far edge of the cemetery fence line that I found him. Just like in life, and even now in death, Rodriguez chose to remain apart—quiet, distant, solitary.

His story is truly remarkable. While his career initially met little fanfare in the United States, his music resonated deeply in far-off places—finding unexpected success in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In South Africa in particular, his songs became anthems of resistance during apartheid, and he was believed to have sold more records there than even Elvis Presley—completely unbeknownst to him.

After the release of Searching for Sugar Man in 2012, Rodriguez experienced a resurgence of recognition. Media attention and fan admiration followed in the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Still, fame was never his goal.

Rodriguez lived humbly still living in his simple Woodbridge area home in Detroit and remained grounded, even as the world finally caught up to the genius in their midst. Standing by his grave, I was reminded that some souls shine brightest in quiet places.

Sixto Diaz Rodriguez died in Detroit on August 8, 2023, at the age of 81.

1942-2023

Rodriquez lone grave in the distance and as I approached.

Photos taken of Sixto Rodriguez’s home in midtown Detroit on my last trip to the Motor City.

*All photos owned by Phil Crawford except stock photo of Sixto Rodriguez.