Tragedy strikes country music as 70's Hispanic country star Johnny Rodriguez has passed away at 73 years old. He is survived by his daughter Aubry and his wife Debbie McNeely. The news comes from an Instagram post his daughter shares, informing friends, family, and fans of the sad news. She writes, "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."
Videos by Wide Open Country
The Tejano country star was born in Sabinal, Texas on December 10, 1951. His love for country starts as a young boy when his older brother Andres buys Rodriguez a guitar. According to CMT, he was frequently in and out of jail after his father passed away from cancer. It's there where he gets discovered; Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson heard Johnny singing in his cell and was incredibly impressed. Then, the lawman introduces the singer to music promoter Happy Shahan. Hired as a stagecoach driver, he meets Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare, who would go on to take him to Nashville and help start his career.
Johnny Rodriguez Tragically Passes at 73 Years Old
From there, the rest is history. Rodriguez accumulates six number one hits in his time, like "Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico" and "You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me)."
Aubry eulogizes her father well, explaining what made Johnny such a trailblazer. "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 writes.
"While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable," Aubry concludes of Johnny. "And we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together.
