Johnny Rodriguez, the pioneering Hispanic country music star, passed away on May 9 at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, in an emotional social media post that reflected on her father’s impactful legacy and his love of his family. His debut album, Introducing Johnny Rodriguez, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart in May 1973, and was nominated for Album of the Year at the ACM Awards. He had six No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart: “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 Out of My Mind,” “Just Get Up and Close the Door” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart.” Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and he will be remembered for his trailblazing contributions to country music. (Billboard)
