The Rise of Rodriguez
Friday, September 05, 2008
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(Rodriguez)
In the late ‘60s and ‘70s, a Detroit-based, Mexican-American songwriter known as Rodriguez released a handful of psychedelic soul albums that mostly flopped in the U.S. But the gritty urban stories on "Cold Fact" found an audience in Australia and apartheid-era South Africa. As the legend of the album grew, so did the mystery surrounding its creator. We find out what ever happened to Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, when he joins us to talk about his soul relic, "Cold Fact."
Comments [5]
AS A EX SOUTH AFRICAN LIVING IN THE USA NOW I COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND THAT NO AMERICAN'S HAD EVER HEARD OF YOU.
COLD FACT WAS A MUST HAVE ALBUM FOR ANY "COOL" SOUTH AFRICAN
LOVE
TONY
I first heard and saw Rodriguez one night back in the 60's at The Sewer in Detroit. I still remember how the sound of his voice literally gave me shivers and stayed with me a long time afterwards. I wanted to go back to hear him again, but with a house full of babies, was never able to. The release of the Cold Fact CD from Light in the Attic suddenly took me back to those days in Detroit and that mysterious singer named Rodriguez.
I have been listening to Rodriguez for 3 years now, when a friend introduced me to his music while I was living in Australia. I am glad he is finally getting more recognition, that is so deserved!
I was at the show on Wednesday night, and it was really the most magical show I've ever been to. I really felt I was witnessing something special and historic.
Thank you WNYC for pumping out segments on Rodriguez. This is the second one I've heard. Its a really interesting story and his music is really great. Thanks for the re-discovery. Rodriguez deserves some acclaim from the U.S.
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