Johnny Rodriguez, one of country music’s first Hispanic stars, has died at the age of 73. He passed away on Friday after entering hospice care. His daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, confirmed his death on social media, sharing that he was surrounded by family at the time. She described him as a legendary musician whose music touched millions and as a beloved husband, father, and brother whose warmth and compassion impacted everyone who knew him.
Rodriguez was a trailblazer for Hispanic musicians in country music, achieving significant success on the charts. He earned six No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and 20 top 10s. His contributions to country music were recognized with honors from the Academy of Country Music, multiple CMA Awards nominations, and an induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Born in Sabinal, Texas, in 1951, Rodriguez’s career began under unconventional circumstances. After spending time in jail at 18, he was discovered by Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson, who introduced him to promoter “Happy” Shahan. At 21, Rodriguez moved to Nashville, where he auditioned for Mercury Records and landed a contract. His breakthrough came in 1972 with the singles “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico.”
Rodriguez’s debut album, Introducing Johnny Rodriguez (1973), reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He went on to release more than a dozen records with Mercury before signing with Epic in 1979, where he found moderate success in the 1980s.
Despite facing personal challenges, including an incident in 1998 in which he shot and killed a man in his home, thinking he was a burglar, Rodriguez continued his music career. He was acquitted of all charges and went on to tour and release albums, including 2012’s Live From Texas.
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