Latest news with #IfYou'reOnlyPassingThrough
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Strait Mourns the Passing of Iconic Country Music Singer, 73
Without Johnny Rodriguez, would there be a ? George certainly doesn't think so. On Monday, George paid tribute to his fellow country legend, who died last week at the age of 73. In his sweet message, the 'King of Country Music' thanked Johnny for paving the way. 'Norma [Straight, his wife] and I are so sad about Johnny's passing,' wrote George on a May 12 Instagram Story. 'He was an inspiration to me from the beginning.' 'Being from South Texas myself, it gave me so much hope knowing that he had become such a huge success,' continued George, 'that maybe there was a hope for a guy like me.' Juan Raoul Davis "Johnny" Rodriguez died on May 9. Growing up in Sabinal, Texas, Johnny helped bring the Tejano sound to the masses, infusing country music with Latin sounds. He hit it big in the 1970s and '80s with songs like 'Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through),' 'I Just Can't Get Her Out of My Mind,' and 'Love Put a Song In My Heart." George, who hails from Pearsall, Texas, remembered Johnny as 'a great talent,' before adding, 'God bless his family, friends and fans. You'll be missed, amigo.' Johnny died in San Antonio from health complications. His daughter shared a message on social media, saying her father 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. Recently, the 'All My Exes Live In Texas' singer caused some concern among his fans. George recently kicked off his tour with Chris Stapleton, and a clip of his performance—where he sat down and barely played the guitar in his lap—had fans talking.
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Country music star dies aged 73 as family pay tribute to ‘extraordinary talent'
COUNTRY music pioneer Johnny Rodriguez has died at 73. The Texas-born star had six number one hits - and 20 top 10s - in his heyday between 1973 and 1978. 3 Johnny Rodriguez has passed away at 73 Credit: Saving Country Music 3 Rodriguez helped to define the genre of country music Credit: Getty 3 Rodriguez's teenage years were racked by tragedy Credit: Spotify Rodriguez helped to define the genre of country music. He was born in Texas in 1951, and in his early years was an alter boy and football team captain. But his teenage years were racked by tragedy. His father died from cancer when he was 16, and then his brother the following year in a car crash. The trauma of these losses led him into trouble with the law - and country music. Legend has it that in 1969, aged 18, Rodriguez was thrown in jail after he and his friends stole and barbecued a goat. Others say that the spell in prison was simply punishment for an unpaid fine. Either way, his singing from his jail cell was noticed by famous Texas ranger Joaquin Jackson, who went straight to his music promoter friend "Happy" Shahan to tell him about the young talent. Most read in Celebrity It was through him that Rodriguez was booked to sing at the Almo Village tourist attraction where 1960 movie The Almo, directed by John Wayne, was filmed. In 1971, Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare passed through and were blown away by Rodriguez's voice. The pair got in touch and told him he should move to Nashville. Rodriguez's agreed and rocked up when he was 21 with just a guitar and $14. Less than a year later, he signed a record deal with Mercury. The first top-10 hit came with Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through), followed by a string of number ones. His best-known hits include Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico, That's the way Love Goes and You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me). Country music had its first Hispanic star in Rodriguez, opening the door for others to follow. His use of Spanish lyrics and sounds brought country music to many Hispanic listeners for the first time. In 1973, Johnny Rodriguez was nominated for the CMA's Male Vocalist of the Year. Read more on the Irish Sun More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at
