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Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Johnny Rodriguez, Hispanic Country Music Star and 'That's the Way Love Goes' Singer, Dies at 73
Johnny Rodriguez, the chart-topping Hispanic country music star and 'That's the Way Love Goes' singer, has died. He was 73. Rodriguez's daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, announced his death on social media on Friday. More from The Hollywood Reporter Greg Cannom, Oscar-Winning Makeup Artist on 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' Dies at 73 Dump Truck Crashes Into Whisky a Go Go Music Venue on Sunset Strip Rosanna Norton, Oscar-Nominated Costume Designer on 'Tron,' Dies at 80 '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 in an Instagram post. 'We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues and friends during this time of grief.' 'While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable — and we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together,' Aubry concluded. Rodriguez was one of the first Hispanic country music stars, finding success at the beginning of his career after moving to Nashville at 21 and signing a deal with Mercury Records. His first single with the label, 1972's 'Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through),' reached No. 9 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. His first No. 1 hit on the country charts arrived in 1973 with his track 'You Always Come Back to Hurting Me,' with his song 'Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico' also reaching No. 1 later that year. Rodriguez's debut album, Introducing Johnny Rodriguez, became a No. 1 album on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart in 1973. That same year, he received the most promising vocalist honor at the Academy of Country Music Awards and was nominated for single record of the year for 'Pass Me By.' In total, he had six No. 1 tracks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including '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.' He later signed with Epic Records in 1979 and worked alongside producer Billy Sherrill. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Survivors include his daughter, Aubry, whom Rodriguez shared with his ex-wife, Debbie McNeely. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Metro
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Johnny Rodriguez, first ever Hispanic country music star, dies aged 73
Trailblazing country singer Johnny Rodriguez has died aged 73. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Aubry Rae Rodriguez, on social media on Saturday. '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,' she wrote. '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, humour, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him. 'While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable – and we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together.' The legend's death follows reports earlier this week that he had entered hospice care. Born in 1951, Rodriguez was the first major Hispanic artist to achieve mainstream success in country music. His fusion of traditional country sounds with Spanish lyrics and Latin influences helped broaden the genre's appeal and opened doors for future generations of Latino artists. Born in Sabinal, Texas, Johnny was the second youngest of ten children. His teenage years were marred by personal tragedy – his father died of cancer when Johnny was 16, and his older brother died in a car accident the following year. These events led to a troubled period during which he was briefly jailed at age 18. While in jail, he was overheard singing by Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson, who introduced him to promoter 'Happy' Shahan. Shahan hired Rodriguez to perform at the Alamo Village tourist attraction, where he was discovered by country stars Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare. Encouraged by Hall and Bare, Rodriguez moved to Nashville in 1971 with just $14 and a guitar. He soon signed with Mercury Records and released his debut single, Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through), in 1972, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard country chart. His breakthrough came in 1973 with You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me), his first No. 1 hit, followed by Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico, which also topped the charts. Rodriguez became known for incorporating Spanish verses into his songs, a novelty in country music at the time, and was hailed as the genre's first Hispanic star. Throughout the 1970s, he released a string of hits, including That's the Way Love Goes and Love Put a Song in My Heart. His debut album, Introducing Johnny Rodriguez, reached No. 1 on the country albums chart, and he received multiple nominations from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. More Trending In 1979, Rodriguez signed with Epic Records and worked with producer Billy Sherrill. While his chart success waned, he still achieved Top 10 hits in the 1980s, such as Foolin' and How Could I Love Her So Much. In 1998, headlines exploded with news of Rodriguez fatally shooting a man he believed to be a burglar. Rodriguez was charged with murder but was acquitted by a Texas jury, which deemed the incident self-defense. He toured extensively across the U.S. and internationally, playing venues from the Ryman Auditorium to Carnegie Hall. He was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Pioneer Award from the Institute of Hispanic Culture in 2010. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix's latest 'charming' film with 'giant heart' is your ultimate weekend watch MORE: John Legend pinpoints exact moment mentor Kanye West's 'descent' began MORE: Donald Trump to be shown in much 'kinder' light with new $100,000,000 biopic
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused of Forced Labor in Superseding Indictment
In a bolstered version of an indictment, prosecutors accuse Sean 'Diddy' Combs of obligating employees, one of whom he forced to have sex with him, to work long hours under the threat of physical, financial and reputational harm. The indictment, issued on Thursday, doesn't contain new charges or victims but instead expands upon allegations over the method of the alleged enterprise through which he assaulted and trafficked women with the help of his various businesses. More from The Hollywood Reporter Mercury Records Taps Tyler Arnold as Chairman and CEO, Ben Adelson as President and COO Roy Ayers, Jazz-Funk Musician Behind 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine,' Dies at 84 Two People Charged With Stealing 900 Taylor Swift Eras Tour Tickets, Selling Them for $600,000 In a statement, Marc Agnifilo, a lawyer for Combs, denied the allegations. 'He looks forward to his day in court when it will become clear that he has never forced anyone to engage in sexual acts against their will,' he said. 'Many former employees stand by his side, prepared to attest to the dedication, hard work, and inspiration they experienced while helping build groundbreaking, award-winning businesses.' The revised indictment represents an attempt by prosecutors to strengthen their case by detailing new accusations in the alleged racketeering conspiracy. It adds to another superseding indictment issued against Combs in January that specified that there were three victims that the rap mogul allegedly forced to engage in commercial sex acts. The charges involve claims that he arranged forced sexual encounters with women, allegedly manipulating them into participating in 'highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity with male commercial sex workers,' who were often flown in across state lines and internationally. According to the new indictment, Combs maintained control over workers at his various businesses. He 'caused these employees to believe they would be harmed — including by losing their jobs — if they did not comply with his demands.' The indictment adds, 'With respect to one employee, Combs used physical force, psychological harm, financial harm, and reputational harm, and/or threats of the same to cause the employee to engage in sex acts' with him. Combs will be arraigned on the new charges next week. He remains in custody at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, with his trial scheduled to start May 5. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
