In early the 1970s, music producers thought they had the next Bob Dylan on their hands.
The Detroit-based musician Sixto Rodriguez was that good, they thought.
They put out two albums, but they didn't sell, so Rodriguez carried on with his life working construction in Detroit.
What happened after is the subject of the documentary Searching for Sugar Man, which was given an Oscar nomination today for best documentary.
Here's a trailer:
http://youtu.be/KKXewWDh1og
It's an uplifting story of a unique Detroit musician who was leading a simple life in the city, while in South Africa... he was as big as Elvis.
With this Oscar nod, no doubt Sixto Rodriguez's star will continue to rise.
But even with his recent fame, Rodriguez continues to live in his humble home in Detroit.
Last November, my dad was working at the polls in Detroit. He recently saw the film and was telling one of his fellow poll workers about the incredible story of Sixto Rodriguez.
A few moments later, to my dad's amazement, in walked Rodriguez to cast his ballot.
My dad thanked Rodriguez for voting.
"It's something we all must do," Rodriguez replied.
