Rodriguez: The Folk Rock Hero
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In the years of 1971 and 1972, when my teen mother was birthing my sister and conceiving me, RODRIGUEZ delivered his only two albums, Cold Fact and Coming From Reality. They first was one of the most important folk rock albums in history. In South Africa, it was a soundtrack to our lives; loved by teens and parents, pop and rock fans.
Unfortunately, the world at large, was oblivious. Both albums sold poorly in the states, were deleted and the record label dropped him. He would head into rumoured alcoholism and self-obscurity, unknowingly becoming the most popular artist in South Africa where the only argument was over how he had died…until, in the Nineties, he was found alive, a stoner having studied philosophy and run for the Mayor of Detroit 7 times.
He’s now toured South Africa, my country, 4 times and, FINALLY, the USA is getting to know him at the age of 70. Apparently one of his daughters married a bodyguard from his first tour here and is now living on the Garden Route, 40km from my home.
If you’re a folk music fan, a lover of Bob Dylan, Scott McKenzie, Cat Stevens and Janis Joplin, then a listen to RODRIGUEZ, the man who represented two generations, is essential for the continued existence of your ears. Start with the tracks ‘Crucify Your Mind’ and ‘I Wonder’ – you’ll be hooked to his sincerity, protest and well-crafted lyrics. Catch the movie, Searching for Sugar Man, which has being bestowed numerous awards in 2012.
- Bonus: Enjoy 5 tributes to Rodriguez at Cover Me.
- Sugar Man website.
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Nic e article as per usual:-)
I'm a "per usual" kind of guy 🙂
As you know, I'm always looking for fresh and unusual material for my Sunday evening World Music Programme on Knysna 97FM (live steaming on http://www.knysnafm.co.za). I've listened to both albums that you highlight, and, well, I just don't understand why South Africans are so crazy about this guy's music. I'm sure it must be related to the place you were at, at the time (plumb in the middle of the apartheid years). His story of rediscovery is fascinating however. Quite coincidentally, I had lunch guests on Saturday who when enquiring about my radio exploits added 'have you seen Searching for Sugar Man?' They were, of course, S African friends.
That's a pity but i won't give up on you yet:) Sure, there's a chord that was struck in apartheid SA but you need to try relate to the protest era of America it was made in. If you like any of the US artists i mentioned (i.e. you are a fan of the genre), then give Rodriguez another go. Turn the lights out and play ‘Crucify Your Mind’, 'Rich Folks Hoax' and ‘I Wonder’ back to back. Absorb the words.
The caption War is not a movie made for T V is very catchy. Rodriguez is the real folk hero, the acting style is splendid. Continue this good job of writing. Hope to see soon with yet another interesting article.