Singer-songwriter Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away aged 81.

Best known by his surname, Rodriguez reportedly suffered a stroke in the months leading to his death.

The news was announced on his website. “It is with great sadness that we at Sugarman.org announce that Sixto Diaz Rodriguez has passed away earlier today,” the post read. “We extend our most heartfelt condolences to his daughters – Sandra, Eva and Regan – and to all his family.”

The signer released a pair of albums in the early 70s to little commercial ovation, Cold Fact and Coming From Reality. Having been dropped by his label, he quit music altogether to work in the production line and demolition industries.

Despite his records failing to break ground in the US, they gained huge popularity in  countries like Australia New Zealand and variety of Southern African nations. His compilation album At His Best, reached platinum status in South Africa.

After discovering that his fame had been growing since the 70s in South Africa, Rodriguez eventually toured the nation, during which the filming for Dead Men Don’t Tour: Rodriguez in South Africa was filmed.

Rodriguez fame peaked in 2012 with the BAFTA and Oscar-winning Searching For Sugar Man, directed by Malik Bendjelloul. The film followed two South African fans looking to discover if  prior rumours of Rodriguez’s death were true.

Bendjelloul had Belfast producer David Holmes to thank for his discovery of Sixto Rodriguez, when he heard ‘Sugar Man’ on Holmes’ Come Get It I Got It remix collection.

Following the documentary, Rodriguez went on to enjoyed a career resurgence featuring headline shows and festival dates, including a spot at Glastonbury in 2013.