Johnny Rodriguez, a trailblazer in country music and the first major Mexican American artist in the genre, died on Friday at the age of 73.
His daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, confirmed the news on social media, though no cause of death was disclosed.
Rodriguez rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of chart-topping hits including “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “You Always Come Back (to Hurting Me).” He scored six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was known for his honky-tonk style, heavily influenced by legends like Merle Haggard and Lefty Frizzell.
Born Juan Raoul Davis Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas, he began playing guitar at age 7 and suffered personal tragedies early in life, including the deaths of his father and brother. He was discovered while singing in a Texas jail and later invited to Nashville, where he joined Tom T. Hall’s band before launching his solo career.
In 1973, Rodriguez released his debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through),” followed by multiple chart-topping hits. He received the Billboard Trend Setter Award as the first Mexican American to break into mainstream country music and was nominated for CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.
Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and released over 35 albums across a four-decade career. He is survived by his wife, Debbie McNeely; daughter, Aubry; and sisters, Antonia and Eloisa.
His influence on Chicano and Latino representation in country music remains profound, as he paved the way for future generations of Hispanic artists in the genre.
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