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Johnny Rodriguez, a trailblazing Hispanic figure and pioneer in country music, has died at the age of 73.
The star's daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, confirmed the news in a heartfelt social media post on Friday, May 9. Earlier this week, the late Mexican-American singer had entered hospice care, according to Saving Country Music.
“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,” Aubry wrote on Instagram. “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 continued, “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief.” Aubry concluded her heartfelt tribute by calling her dad an “irreplaceable” and an “extraordinary talent,” before requesting privacy for the family as they “navigate this painful moment together.”
Rodriguez was discovered at 18 by music promoter Happy Shahan after he was heard singing in a jail cell, where he was briefly held for a minor offense, according to a Ken Burns biography on PBS.org.
“I was drawn to country music because I could relate more to what they were singing about,” Rodriguez told Burns. “And also it was just like the music of our people. In Mexican music, you have stories. Mexican music and country music said almost the same thing, just in different languages,” he said.
After initially performing under the name Johnny Rogers, Rodriguez played at Alamo Village and soon caught the attention of country stars Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall. At 21, he moved to Nashville, changed his last name back to Rodriguez, joined Hall’s band as a guitarist, and later signed with Mercury Records. In the 1970s, Rodriguez achieved several No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, including “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “You Always Come Back (to Hurting Me).”
Rodriguez is survived by his daughter, Aubry, whom he shared with his second wife, Debbie McNeely.
