Johnny Rodriguez Passes away at 73 Years Old

Country music icon Johnny Rodriguez passed away at the age of 73, his daughter announced on Tuesday. 

Rodriguez died on Friday, May 9 “surround by family,” his daughter added. 

She posted on social media: “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."

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

“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.”

The late country musician was born in Sabinal, Texas in 1951.

His musical influences ranged from mariachi to honky-tonk to traditional country.

Rodriguez later moved to Nashville and landed a recording contract with Mercury Records that released his first single, “Pass Me By” in 1973. 

The track peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard country charts, making Rodriguez the first Hispanic-American to become a country music sensation.

Rodriguez’s 1973 debut album, “Introducing Johnny Rodriguez,” topped Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart. It was also nominated for album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Rodriguez released 26 albums and 45 charting singles. 

He was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. The musician received the Institute of Hispanic Culture Pioneer Award in 2010 for being the first major Hispanic singer in country music. 

who racked up several chart-topping hits during the 1970s has died at the age of 73.