Chart-Topping Country Singer Johnny Rodriguez Has Died
Singer Johnny Rodriguez performs at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois, September 26, 1986. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Aubry Rodriguez Announces The Death Of Her Father, Johnny Rodriguez
Mexican-American country singer Johnny Rodriguez passed away on May 9th at the age of 73. His 27-year-old daughter, Aubry, shared the tragic news online and wrote:
“Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions worldwide, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humor, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.”
Aubry revealed that her father died peacefully and was surrounded by family members. She added:
“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.”
Read Aubry’s full post below.
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About Johnny Rodriguez’s Life & Legacy
Juan Raoul Davis “Johnny” Rodriguez was born on December 10, 1951, in Sabinal, Texas. After the tragic death of his father and older brother, Johnny became a troubled teen and wound up in jail at the age of 18. A Texas Ranger overheard the young musician singing in his cell and introduced him to promoter “Happy” Shahan.
A series of events led to Johnny moving to Nashville, finding work as a band member and songwriter, and ultimately landing a record deal with Mercury Records in 1972.
His debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through),” was a commercial success and landed at no. 9 on the US Hot Country Songs chart. Later that year, the Academy of Country Music named Johnny Rodriguez the “Most Promising Male Vocalist”.
In 1973, Johnny released his debut album, Introducing, which rose to the top of the Top Country Albums chart. Additionally, the Texas native scored his first two number-one singles with “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me” and “Ridin’ My Thumb To Mexico.”
Johnny Rodriguez would ultimately have more than a dozen albums and singles land in the Top 10 during his career. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Johnny Rodriguez leaves behind his wife Debbie McNeely and daughter Aubry Rae Rodriguez. Our prayers are with the Rodriguez family during this time of loss.
