Country Music Pioneer Johnny Rodriguez Dies at 73 — George Strait Honors a True Trailblazer

Johnny Rodriguez, a groundbreaking figure in country music and the genre’s first major Mexican American star, has passed away at the age of 73. The beloved singer died on Friday, May 9, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, according to a statement from his daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, shared on social media. The cause of death has not been made public.

The heartbreaking news has prompted an outpouring of love and remembrance from across the music industry. But none hit quite as personally as the words shared by George Strait, who credits Rodriguez with helping pave the way for his own rise to stardom.

George Strait Shares Emotional Farewell to His Country Hero

“Norma and I are so sad about Johnny’s passing,” Strait wrote on social media. “He was an inspiration to me from the beginning. Being from South Texas myself, it gave me so much hope knowing that he had become such a huge success… that maybe there was hope for a guy like me. What a great talent he was. God bless his family, friends and fans. You’ll be missed, amigo.”

Strait’s tribute struck a chord with fans of both artists, marking a full-circle moment between two icons of country music. It wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a gesture of gratitude from one Texan trailblazer to another.

 A Career That Changed Country Music Forever

Born in Sabinal, Texas in 1951, Johnny Rodriguez burst onto the country scene in the early 1970s with a sound that blended traditional honky-tonk roots and subtle Latin influences—a bold fusion that made him a standout in Nashville.

Rodriguez’s breakout single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through),” in 1972 launched a career filled with chart-toppers, including:

“Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico”

“You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me)”

“I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind”

He ultimately scored six No. 1 hits and more than 20 Top 10 singles on the Billboard country charts, becoming a beloved figure whose voice was instantly recognizable and whose lyrics spoke directly to the soul.

 Honors, Legacy & The Doors He Opened

Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and featured prominently in Ken Burns’ 2019 Country Music documentary, where he reflected on why he was drawn to the genre:

“I was drawn to country music because I could relate more to what they were singing about,” Rodriguez said. “It was the music of our people.”

His impact transcended the charts. As the first major Mexican American artist to break into the upper tiers of Nashville’s scene, Rodriguez carved out space for a generation of Latino and multicultural artists who followed.

 Final Years & Lasting Influence

While his visibility in the mainstream faded in later years, Rodriguez remained active as a performer and mentor. His 2012 album Live from Texas was praised by critics, and he continued to tour throughout the Southwest, often headlining shows close to home.

His later life wasn’t without challenges. In 1998, Rodriguez was acquitted in a high-profile shooting case involving a suspected intruder. Still, he remained committed to his music and his faith, performing well into his 70s and staying close to his Texas roots.

 A Farewell From One Legend to Another

As fans mourn the loss of a true country music pioneer, George Strait’s tribute stands as a powerful reminder of Rodriguez’s influence—not just on the genre, but on individual artists whose lives and careers he helped shape.

“He gave hope to a guy like me,” Strait wrote. “For many, he did the same.”

Johnny Rodriguez may be gone, but his voice, his courage, and his cultural legacy will echo through the halls of country music forever.

🕯️ Rest in peace, amigo. You opened doors that should have never been closed.