Johnny Rodriguez, First Latino Country Chart-Topper, Dies At 73
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Last Updated: May 11, 2025, 08:01 IST
Johnny Rodriguez is no more.
Johnny Rodriguez, the Mexican American country singer whose soulful voice and heartfelt hits lit up the charts in the '70s, has passed away at the age of 73. The beloved musician died on Friday, as confirmed by his daughter Aubry Rodriguez through a heartfelt social media tribute. She shared that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
'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 wrote.
Hailing from Sabinal, Texas, a small town nestled west of San Antonio, Rodriguez made waves in country music with songs like 'Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico," 'I Just Can't Get Her Out of My Mind," and 'That's the Way Love Goes." His career took off quickly: he won the title of most promising male vocalist at the 1972 ACM Awards, and his debut album Introducing Johnny Rodriguez scored a nomination for Album of the Year in 1973. Over time, he racked up more than a dozen Top 10 hits across albums and singles.
However, Rodriguez later acknowledged that his rising fame took a toll, as struggles with drugs and alcohol began affecting his professional life.
Despite the ups and downs, he remained rooted in Texas, often performing in the South Texas circuit. In 2007, his contributions to country music were honored with an induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
His life wasn't without controversy. In 1999, Rodriguez was acquitted of murder after a tragic incident in which he shot a man he mistook for a burglar inside his mother's home. The victim, 26-year-old Israel Borrego, died the next day.
Through it all, Johnny Rodriguez remained a cherished voice in country music.
(With inputs from AP) News movies Johnny Rodriguez, First Latino Country Chart-Topper, Dies At 73
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