Johnny Rodriguez, a trailblazer in Mexican American country music, died peacefully on May 9 at the age of 73, as announced by his daughter Aubry Rae Rodriguez on Instagram. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Rodriguez had entered hospice care earlier in the week. His daughter shared the news on social media on May 10, offering a tribute to her father.
“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.”
Born Juan Raul Davis Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas, in 1951, Rodriguez became one of the first Hispanic artists to succeed in country music. He developed a unique style by combining traditional country with Mexican-inspired Tejano elements, which resonated with audiences nationwide.
Rodriguez’s rise to fame began with an unexpected opportunity. At 18, while briefly detained for a minor offense, he was heard singing by a Texas Ranger who mentioned him to music promoter Happy Shahan. This led to performances at Shahan’s Alamo Village, where Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall noticed his talent. Hall facilitated Rodriguez’s move to Nashville, Tennessee, where he joined Hall’s band as a guitarist before eventually signing with Mercury Records in 1972.
His first album, “Introducing Johnny Rodriguez,” released in 1973, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, featuring the hit “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)” and earning a nomination for Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Between 1973 and 1978, Rodriguez enjoyed significant success, achieving six No. 1 singles and 20 Top 10 hits on the U.S. country charts. His popular songs included “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me),” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “I Just Can’t Get Her Out Of My Mind,” “Just Get Up and Close the Door,” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart.”
The Academy of Country Music recognized his potential early by naming him Most Promising Male Vocalist in 1973. He received other nominations, such as Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
Rodriguez stood out for incorporating his Mexican American heritage into his music, occasionally singing in Spanish and blending mariachi and Tex-Mex elements with country music. In Ken Burns’ documentary series “Country Music,” he explained how the musical traditions “said almost the same thing, just in different languages.”
His achievements extended beyond the music industry; he performed for several U.S. presidents, including Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, and played at Bush’s inaugural ball. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame alongside artists like Buddy Holly, Buck Owens, and Willie Nelson.
Rodriguez was married three times. His first marriage was to Linda Diann Patterson, a flight attendant. He later married Willie Nelson’s daughter, Lana Nelson, in 1995; however, the marriage lasted seven months. In 1998, he married Debbie McNeely from San Marcos, Texas, and they had a daughter, Aubry, that year.
Despite his successful career, Rodriguez faced personal challenges. In August 1998, he was charged with the murder of an acquaintance, believing him to be a burglar. A jury acquitted him in October 1999. He also struggled with substance abuse, later overcoming addictions to cocaine and alcohol.
Rodriguez continued performing, especially in Texas, even as his commercial success declined in later years. His influence paved the way for other Hispanic artists in country music.
Earlier this year, his legacy was honored by his daughter Aubry, who released her debut single “Pass Me By” with Vinny Tovar, as a tribute to her father’s influence.
In her announcement of his passing, she described her father as an “extraordinary talent” and “irreplaceable,” requesting privacy for the family as they navigate their loss.
Rodriguez is survived by Aubry, who continues to celebrate his musical legacy.
