Johnny Rodriguez, pioneering Mexican-American country singer, has died at 73. His family said he passed peacefully Friday after entering hospice care.

Born Juan Raul Davis Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas, in 1951, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the

first Latino stars in Nashville. His smooth vocals, traditional storytelling, and bilingual style broke barriers in the 1970s.

Rodriguez’s 1972 debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through),” hit the Top 10, followed by his first No. 1 in 1973,

“You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me).” He went on to score over 30 charting songs — including

“Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart” — with six reaching No. 1.

His career began unexpectedly when, while jailed for a minor offense, a Texas Ranger heard him sing and connected

him to Nashville. Mentored by Tom T. Hall, he became the Grand Ole Opry’s first Mexican-American member at 21.

Despite legal and personal struggles, Rodriguez toured for decades, inspiring future Latino country artists.

His legacy endures as a cultural trailblazer whose heartfelt songs left a lasting mark. He is survived by his family and devoted fans.