Rodriguez of 'Sugar Man' fame receives honorary doctorate from Wayne State University
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Wayne State University had no idea that a folk hero was in its midst when the Detroit school awarded Sixto Rodriguez a philosophy degree in 1981.
Then again, Rodriguez had no idea about his fame, either.
The Motor City musician received a Doctor of Humane Letters on Thursday during the university's commencement ceremonies at Ford Field. He has been recognized for his "musical genius and commitment to social justice."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Rodriguez's two albums in the early 1970s received little attention in the United States but he unknowingly developed a cult following in South Africa during the apartheid era. He was the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, "Searching for Sugar Man."
After his music career fizzled stateside, Rodriguez worked various jobs around Detroit, ran for public office and obtained his bachelor's degree.