Johnny Rodriguez, a pioneer in country music, has died. He was 73 years old.
Rodriguez, who was one of the first Hispanic singers to enter the genre, died Friday, May 9, his daughter announced in a heartfelt post on social media.
“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,” wrote his daughter Aubrey, 27, whom he shared with his second wife, Debbie McNeely. The three-time CMA nominee was reportedly in hospice care before his death.
“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,” Aubry continued in the Facebook post. “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief.”
Rodriguez’s daughter concluded the announcement by noting, “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, who was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, kicked off his career in the 1970s, where he scored multiple Top 10 hits — including several No. 1 songs — throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Some of his biggest hits included “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me),” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “That’s the Way Love Goes.”
