The Texas-born singer, known for a string of chart-topping hits in the 1970s, passed away on May 9th while in hospice care. His daughter Aubry shared the news on social media, writing: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez. He left us peacefully, surrounded by family.”
She described him as not only a groundbreaking musician who touched millions but also a devoted family man—a loving husband, father, uncle, and brother. “While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable,” she added, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Rodriguez rose to fame between 1973 and 1978, scoring six No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 country singles. Some of his most enduring songs include “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” and “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me).” His unique blend of country and Latin influences, including Spanish lyrics, made him a trailblazer for Hispanic artists in the genre.
Honored by three U.S. presidents—Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush—Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame for his lasting impact on country music. Born in 1951, he grew up as a football captain and altar boy before tragedy struck: his father died of cancer when he was 16, followed by his brother in a car accident the next year.
His big break came unexpectedly while he was in jail, where Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson heard him sing and connected him with a music promoter. By 1971, Rodriguez was performing at Alamo Village, catching the attention of stars like Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall, who urged him to move to Nashville. At just 21, he signed with Mercury Records and skyrocketed to fame, later working with legendary producer Billy Sherrill at Epic Records.
Though his career slowed after the 1980s, Rodriguez continued touring and recording, releasing a live album in 2012. His life wasn’t without controversy—in 1998, he was acquitted after shooting an intruder in his home—but his musical legacy remained untarnished.
Fans and fellow artists flooded social media with tributes, calling him “a Texas legend” and praising his smooth voice and fearless innovation. Many highlighted his role alongside Freddy Fender in blending country and Latin sounds. “His songs were timeless, his impact undeniable,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Tonight, we’re blasting Rodriguez.”
His music lives on, but for those who knew him best, the loss is deeply personal. As his daughter poignantly put it: “We will carry his light forward, but nothing will ever fill the space he left behind.”
