Johnny Rodriguez, a Tejano Country Singer Known for His 1970s Hits, Dies at 73

The Texas-born country singer died on May 9, his daughter confirmed online.

Johnny Rodriguez poses for a photo in Nashville, Tenn., on July 3, 1996. Christopher Berkey/AP Photo

Texas-born country singer Johnny Rodriguez, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico” and “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind,” has died at the age of 73.

Rodriguez, who was known for blending Tejano and outlaw country music styles, died peacefully on May 9 while surrounded by his family, his daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, announced in an Instagram post on May 10.

“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,” the 27-year-old wrote.

“We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief. 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.”

Born on Dec. 10, 1951, Rodriguez grew up in Sabinal, a small Texas town located about 60 miles west of San Antonio.

In 1973, he released his chart-topping debut album, “Introducing Johnny Rodriguez,” which was nominated for “Album of the Year” at the 1974 Academy of Country Music Awards.

In August 1998, Rodriguez made headlines after he was charged with murder in the shooting death of 26-year-old Israel Borrego, an acquaintance he claimed to have mistaken for a burglar at his home in Sabinal. The singer was acquitted of the charge in October of the following year.

Rodriguez, who was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, released more than 30 albums throughout his decades-long career, per his online biography.

Rodriguez’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes online, including from Latino country singer Sammy Arriaga, who called the late musician an “OG country Latino legend.”

“Johnny paved the way for artists like myself and gave me the courage to chase this wild dream and to proudly fuse my two worlds as a Country artist,” Arriaga wrote on social media platform X on May 10.

“Johnny gave country music a sound that was both timeless and distinct — blending pure tradition with a cultural richness few artists ever brought to the genre,” penned comedian Steve “Mudflap” McGrew on May 9.

“He was more than a country singer. He was a trailblazer. A poet of the heartland. A voice for the unheard — whose songs flowed like rivers through the Texas hills and into the hearts of millions.”