Country music icon Johnny Rodriguez has died at age 73, his family confirmed. He passed away peacefully on May 9, surrounded by loved ones after being placed in hospice care.

His daughter Aubry shared that he was not only a legendary musician but also a deeply loved family man. Known for his hits in the 1970s like “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “That’s the Way Love Goes”, Rodriguez had 20 top 10 songs and six number ones during his peak.

A pioneer for Hispanic artists in country music, Rodriguez stood out for incorporating Spanish lyrics into his songs. Born in Texas in 1951, he overcame personal tragedies and rose to fame after being discovered while singing in jail.

He later signed with Mercury Records, then Epic, working with major producers and releasing chart-topping music. Though his career paused after a 1998 shooting incident, he was cleared of charges and continued performing.

Tributes have poured in online, honoring him as a trailblazer and a Texas legend whose impact on country music will never be forgotten.

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