Today we uncover the incredible true story of Sixto Rodriguez, the Detroit musician who unknowingly became a South African icon who helped spark a revolution. His album, Cold Fact, flopped in the U.S. but became a protest anthem against apartheid, inspiring a generation.

While Rodriguez lived in obscurity, believing his music had faded into history, he was secretly outselling Elvis in South Africa. It wasn’t until the documentary Searching for Sugar Man that the world finally learned the truth.

How did Rodriguez’s music make it to South Africa? Why was his story hidden for so long? And what happened when he finally discovered his own fame? This is the rise, the fall, and the miraculous rediscovery of a lost legend.

Listen to the musical version – Experience this episode with the full music as intended.

Resources and Further Reading

Host & Show Info

• Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
• Intro Music:Alice in dark Wonderland

Community & Calls to Action

• Review & follow on:Spotify & Apple Podcasts
• Instagram:@theCompendiumPodcast
• Website:TheCompendiumPodcast.com
• Support usPatreon

Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.