Sometimes success sneaks up on you when you're in your 70s, changes your entire life and lands you squarely in the global spotlight.

As legions of fans worldwide know, this is the story of Sixto Rodriguez, (known as Rodriguez) the subject of the 2012 documentary Searching for Sugarman.

The film focused on Rodgriguez's musical career, which at home in the United States in the 1970s essentially amounted to a single, forgotten album.

Unbeknownst to himself and the rest of the world, Rodriguez's music was a fast hit in South Africa where he later revived his career.

"I'm lucky like that," he told Richard Zussman, guest host of CBC's On the Coast.

He attributes the resurrection of his career to a series of good deeds and outreach from fans.

"Complete strangers helped me out," he said.

Now 75 years old and still living in the same Detroit, Mich., home shown in the documentary, Rodriguez currently travels the globe performing.

His daughters travel with him, managing logistics and taking care of the business side of things, he said.

Rodriguez plays Saturday night at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver.