Episode description

On the show this time, it's a very special throwback episode, featuring a live performance from the Detroit legend - Rodriguez.

Detroit, Motor City. It churned out all those classic cars, but it is also one of the great American music cities.  Motown obviously, which is enough all on its own. Punk from Suzi Quattro, The Suicide Machines, The Romantics, and the MC5. Pop and R&B and Hip Hop from Was Not Was, J Dilla, and Anita Baker. Sufjan Stevens, Bob Seger, or Eminem. And - from the quiet streets of Woodbridge came the psych-rocking songwriter Sixto Rodriguez. He released 2 studio albums with little success in the US, but he did well in Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa. In fact, he was a huge hit in South Africa. He didn’t know it at the time. He lived a simple life, working hard for very little money. It wasn’t until his daughter discovered a website about him in the late 90s that he realized how many fans he had in other parts of the world. His records were re-issued by Light in the Attic in 2009 and he toured - including to Seattle. He played many packed concerts to adoring fans - finally getting a taste of the success he deserved. He died in 2023 at the age of 81.

Recorded 06/23/2009.

1. I Wonder
2. Forget It
3. Crucify Your Mind
4. Can’t Get Away
5. Inner City Blues
6. To Whom It May Concern
7. Sugar Man

Watch the full Live on KEXP performance on YouTube.

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