We found Rodriguez last weekend…a.k.a “Sugarman” for those of you who saw the 2012 Oscar winning documentary “Searching for Sugarman.” He performed at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex on the campus of Cal State L.A after years of obscurity and at the age of 76. “Searching for Sugarman” is the story of Sixto Rodriguez, an American singer-song writer from Detroit, Michigan who was discovered and signed to a record deal in the 1970’s. But when his two albums bombed, he disappeared into life as a construction worker and mover, performing only occasionally in obscure places. All the while a bootleg recording was making its way to South Africa and over the next two decades he became bigger than Elvis, particularly among anti-apartheid activists and the University crowd.
Rodriguez never saw any royalties, compensation or proceeds from his recordings, yet they became “must have” albums among fans across the southernmost tip of the African continent. In 1998, two South Africans went on a mission to find their favorite music phenom. “Searching for Sugarman” documents their journey, his experience, and a heartfelt reunion with his fan base in South Africa. The “follow the money” path that ended nowhere for Rodriquez has since changed with the help of these two dedicated men. While Rodriguez still lives a modest life, he is on a world tour performing in most places taking family members with him. The resurrection of his career has brought him a fulfilling and comfortable semi-retirement, a world apart from the life he would have experienced if he were never found.
Often, we go through life changing events including job and careers changes, leaving accounts, pensions and retirement plants behind, eventually forgetting about them. While we may not have dedicated fans to help us find fame or fortune, it’s worthwhile to review your benefits and assets from previous lives to ensure that you’re taking everything with you in retirement.
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