I have been watching recently several documentaries - first about Jiro and his love and mastery of suchis in Tokyo metro station during the many decades since the WWII, and yesterday about Rodriguez and his career in music that was not. Both inspiring in different ways, both very good movies.
Rodriguez had a quick debut in the US in Detroit, did not make it, and as many other artists after being kicked off their label, went into public oblivion. The interesting part of his story started to happen in South Africa of all places, where, unknown to him, he became an icon of Rock-n-Roll and rebellion against the Apartheid. Legends about him killing himself on stage started to circulate there, as nothing was known about him. Only 40 years later did fans come into contact with Rodriguez after looking for him for over 10 years. All the while, he was alive and working in construction in the dilapidated Detroit downtown. Rodriguez thus could perform - again - to 20, 000 fans, after having led a very different life during intermittent 40 years.
Would be interesting to hear if Rodriguez might have more new music left in him...
Rodriguez had a quick debut in the US in Detroit, did not make it, and as many other artists after being kicked off their label, went into public oblivion. The interesting part of his story started to happen in South Africa of all places, where, unknown to him, he became an icon of Rock-n-Roll and rebellion against the Apartheid. Legends about him killing himself on stage started to circulate there, as nothing was known about him. Only 40 years later did fans come into contact with Rodriguez after looking for him for over 10 years. All the while, he was alive and working in construction in the dilapidated Detroit downtown. Rodriguez thus could perform - again - to 20, 000 fans, after having led a very different life during intermittent 40 years.
Would be interesting to hear if Rodriguez might have more new music left in him...
3 comments:
Watched it on Sunday. Really enjoyed it.
It's before your time, but you should check out "Joy Division - The Documentary." Another great doc; they were really influential on my early 20s.
PS, I learned of him because they play him often at my bouldering gym. Because yes, I go to a funky little gym.
will check the joy division, thx for the tip! Hope all is good in Montreal :)
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