Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez has died at the age of 73, his family confirmed.
The Texas-born singer, known for a series of chart-topping hits in the 1970s, passed away on Friday after entering hospice care.
Rodriguez’s daughter, Aubry, shared news of his passing in an Instagram post on Friday, May 9.
“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.
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.
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.”
Johnny Rodriguez (December 10, 1951 – May 9, 2025) was a trailblazing American country music singer and songwriter, celebrated as one of the first Hispanic artists to achieve major success in the genre.
Born in Sabinal, Texas, Rodriguez was the second youngest of ten children in a modest household. His early life was marked by personal tragedies, including the deaths of his father and brother during his teenage years, which led to a troubled youth. At 18, while serving time in jail for a minor offense, his singing caught the attention of Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson. Impressed by his talent, Jackson introduced him to music promoter “Happy” Shahan, leading to performances at the Alamo Village tourist attraction. There, Rodriguez was discovered by country stars Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare, who encouraged him to move to Nashville. Arriving with just a guitar and $14, he soon signed with Mercury Records.
Rodriguez’s debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through),” released in 1972, reached No. 9 on the Billboard country chart. He quickly rose to prominence with a string of hits, including six No. 1 singles such as “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me),” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” and “That’s the Way Love Goes.” His unique blend of traditional country with Spanish lyrics and Latin influences resonated with a broad audience, making him a significant figure in diversifying the country music scene.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Rodriguez released numerous albums and continued to chart hits. Despite facing personal challenges, including a legal incident in 1998 for which he was acquitted, he remained active in music. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
He is survived by his daughter, Aubry Rae Rodriguez, whom he shared with his third wife, Debbie McNeely.
