Johnny Rodriguez, the Texas-born country singer with six No. 1 hits in the 1970s, died on May 9, 2025, in hospice care, his daughter Aubry announced. Known for songs like “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and blending country with Latin influences, he was a trailblazer for Hispanic artists. Honored by three U.S. presidents and inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, Rodriguez rose to fame after a jailhouse performance led to a Nashville deal with Mercury Records at 21. Despite a slower career post-1980s, he continued touring and released a live album in 2012. Fans and artists mourned his loss, praising his timeless music and innovative sound. Aubry called him a devoted family man, asking for privacy. His legacy endures, but his absence is deeply felt.
