Johnny Rodriguez, Pioneering Hispanic Country Music Star, Dies at 73

Johnny Rodriguez, a trailblazing Hispanic figure in country music, has died at the age of 73.

His daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, confirmed her father’s passing in a heartfelt social media post on Friday (May 9). The late Mexican-American singer had entered hospice care earlier in the week, according to Saving Country Music.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on May 9th, surrounded by family,” Aubry wrote on Instagram. “Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humor, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.”

She continued, “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief.”e

Aubry concluded her tribute by calling her father an “irreplaceable” and an “extraordinary talent,” and requested privacy for the family as they “navigate this painful moment together.”

Born Juan Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas, in 1951, Rodriguez was discovered at 18 by music promoter Happy Shahan after he was heard singing in a jail cell, where he was briefly held for a minor offense, according to a Ken Burns biography on PBS.org.

Rodriguez’s musical influences ranged from mariachi to honky-tonk, shaped by his South Texas upbringing. “I was drawn to country music because I could relate more to what they were singing about,” he told Burns. “And also it was just like the music of our people. In Mexican music, you have stories. Mexican music and country music said almost the same thing, just in different languages,” he said.

Initially performing under the name Johnny Rogers, Rodriguez played at Alamo Village and soon caught the attention of country stars Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall. At 21, he moved to Nashville, changed his last name back to Rodriguez, joined Hall’s band as a guitarist, and later signed with Mercury Records.

His debut album, Introducing Johnny Rodriguez, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart in May 1973 and was nominated for album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. He had six No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart: “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me),” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “I Just Can’t Get Her Out Out of My Mind,” “Just Get Up and Close the Door” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart.”

Rodriguez won an ACM Award for most promising male vocalist in 1973 and was nominated for single of the year for his breakthrough hit, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through). The following year, he was nominated for top male vocalist and entertainer of the year (in addition to album of the year).

At the CMA Awards, Rodriguez was nominated for male vocalist of the year in 1973 and album of the year in 1994 as one of many artists on Asleep at the Wheel’s Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Rodriguez is survived by his daughter, Aubry, whom he shared with his second wife, Debbie McNeely.

Read Aubry’s touching tribute to her father on Instagram here.

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