Country music star Johnny Rodriguez has died aged 73, his family have announced.
During the peak of his career in the mid-1970s, Rodriguez had six number one songs, and many other hits including a run of fifteen top 10 songs on the country music charts. He is recognized as one of country music’s earliest Hispanic stars.
His daughter, fellow musician Aubry Rodriguez, shared the news on her Facebook page, saying:
“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.”
Rodriguez was born in Sabinal, Texas in 1951. Saving Country Music website tells the story of his big career break, reporting that, during a teenage spell in jail, Rodriguez was overheard singing by a park ranger who mentioned him to a local music promoter. Soon, he moved to Nashville where he was signed to record songs for Mercury Records.
His first Top 10 hit was Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through). Other songs included You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me), Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico and That’s the Way Love Goes. The website paid tribute, saying: “Johnny Rodriguez helped define country music as much as anyone in the decade, and continued to mint hit songs well into the 80s.”
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