'Searching For Sugar Man' Subject Sixto Rodriguez Awarded Honorary Degree From Wayne State

Sixto Rodriguez, recording artist and subject of the documentary "Searching For Sugar Man", was awarded an honorary doctorate from Detroit's Wayne State University on May 9.

According to the Associated Press, Rodriguez received a Doctor of Humane Letters from his hometown school due to his "musical genius and commitment to social justice." This is the second degree from Wayne State Rodriguez has received. He graduated with a Bachelors in Philosophy from the school in 1981.

Rodriguez was signed by  Motown in the late 60s and released two albums that failed to generate sales in spite of critical acclaim. He was meant to be the label's own Bob Dylan, but his shy stage presence and failure to move units allowed him to drift into obscurity. However, his music caught on in an unlikely place: apartheid-era South Africa. Rodriguez's protest songs made him a legend in the country, though he was never aware and didn't see any royalties.

Swedish director Malik Bendjelloul set out to find Rodriguez and the resulting story became the much adored documentary Searching For Sugar  Man. The movie has resulted in a ton of good press, renewed interest in Rodriguez, a tour, new music from the artist and, of course, a degree from Wayne State.