Johnny Rodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez, one of country music’s biggest stars of the 1970s, died in Texas on Friday (May 9) at age 73.
Famed for such hits as “Pass Me By” and “Just Get Up and Close the Door,” Rodriguez was a ground-breaking Latino artist in the country field. Songs such as “Eres Tu” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart“ were performed in both Spanish and English. Between 1972 and 1989, Johnny Rodriguez placed 45 songs on the country charts.
Born in Sabinal, Texas, Juan Raoul Davis Rodriguez was a juvenile offender. As a teenager, he was paroled to entertain at the Alamo Village tourist attraction near San Antonio. This was when he was dubbed “Johnny.” Tom T. Hall heard him there and took him under his wing.
Hall brought Rodriguez to Nashville to become a member of his Storytellers band. Rodriguez signed with Hall’s label home, Mercury Records. Hall’s brother Hillman Hall wrote the 21-year-old Texan’s 1972 debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through).” It became the first of a string of 15 consecutive top-10 smashes for the youngster. The song became a modern country standard recorded by more than 35 artists, including a 1980 hit revival by Janie Fricke.
Rodriguez and Tom T. Hall co-wrote “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me).” In 1973, it became the first of his six No. 1 hits. Rodriguez also wrote “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” (1973) and “Dance With Me (Just One More Time)” (1974). He won the ACM Award as Top New Male Vocalist of 1973 and was nominated for the CMA’s Horizon Award.
Music City’s top-tier country songwriters soon began providing Rodriguez with material. Larry Gatlin wrote “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind” (1975) and “If Practice Makes Perfect” (1977). Linda Hargrove wrote “Just Get Up and Close the Door” (1975) and “Savin’ This Love Song for You” (1977). In 1976, Mickey Newbury offered “I Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye” and Billy Joe Shaver provided “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You.” Ben Peters was behind 1975’s chart-topping “Love Put a Song in My Heart,” and Dan Penn and Johnny Christopher co-wrote 1976’s “Hillbilly Heart.”
Rodriguez revived Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shaffer’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” in 1974. The song later became a big hit for Merle Haggard, too. The 1978 Rodriguez hit “We Believe in Happy Endings” was penned by Bob McDill. Ten years later, it was revived in a duet by Emmylou Harris and Earl Thomas Conley.
The new star’s yearning tenor easily adapted pop tunes for country listeners, notably George Harrison’s “Something” (1974), Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil’s “We’re Over” (1974) and The Eagles’ “Desperado” (1977).
“Love Me With All of Your Heart” had been a huge hit for the pop chorale The Ray Charles Singers in 1964, but the song originated in Mexico as “Cuando Calienta El Sol.” In 1978, Johnny Rodriguez’s bilingual country hit brought the song back to its roots. “Eres Tu (Touch the Wind)” was an international smash for the Spanish pop group Mocedades in 1974. Rodriguez adapted it for country music three years later.
The handsome young country star guested on such TV shows as Adam 12 and The Dating Game. He was also featured in the 1976 B-movie Nashville Girl. He toured internationally, appearing in countries such as Switzerland, England, South Korea, France, Spain, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Guam and Poland, as well as Canada and Mexico.
The hits came less frequently after Johnny Rodriguez signed with Epic Records. His co-written “Down on the Rio Grande” was a top-10 hit in 1979. The 1983 releases “Foolin’” and “How Could I Love Her So Much” repeated the feat. He wrote his Epic singles “Born With the Blues” (1982) and “Back on Her Mind Again” (1983). Other highlights during his tenure with Epic included the top-20 singles “Fools For Each Other” (1979, another song he co-wrote), “What’ll I Tell Virginia” (1979), “North of the Border” (1980) and “Too Late to Go Home” (1984). “I Hate the Way I Love It” was a 1979 duet with label-mate Charly McClain.
His final top-20 success came when he signed with Capitol and issued “I Didn’t (Every Chance I Had)” in late 1987. When Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson recorded their debut album as The Highwaymen in 1985, they invited Rodriguez to provide a Spanish vocal for their version of Woody Guthrie’s song “Deportee.” Another late-career highlight was his performance of “Across the Valley From the Alamo” on the CMA-nominated Asleep at the Wheel CD Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys in 1994.
He remained a popular concert attraction, particularly back home in Texas. Rodriguez performed for the presidential inauguration of Texan George H.W. Bush in 1989. The singer was married three times, including a seven-month union with Willie Nelson’s daughter Lana in 1995.
Rodriguez developed drug and alcohol problems. In 1998, he shot and killed an acquaintance, believing him to be a burglar in his home. A jury acquitted him of murder in 1999.
His career never recovered. Rodriguez recorded little-noticed, independent-label albums for Intersound (1993), Hightone (1996), Paula (1996), Intercontinental (2001), KRB (2007), RunninWide (2012) and other small imprints. He continued to perform in the Lone Star State into his 60s and 70s. Johnny Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He staged a triumphant revival at the CMA Music Fest in 2017.
Johnny Rodriguez entered hospice care last week. His death was announced by his singing daughter, Aubry Rodriguez. Her debut single is “Pass Me By” as a tribute to her father. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
Dillon Carmichael Is ‘Keepin’ Country Alive’ On Latest Album Due In June
/by Lorie HollabaughDillon Carmichael is gearing up for the release of his third studio album, Keepin’ Country Alive, on June 13 via Riser House Records.
The 14-track collection pays homage to Carmichael’s small-town roots, the hardworking spirit of rural America and the enduring power of community, and builds on the success of previously released singles “Keepin’ Country Alive” and “No Matter How Hard I Try.”
A brand new single from the project, “Raised Up Wrong,” is out now on all streaming platforms. Co-written by Carmichael with Devin Dawson, Josh Phillips and Jared Conrad, the defiant and gritty anthem flips the script on Southern stereotypes and proudly reclaims the rural values that shaped the rising singer.
Keepin’ Country Alive Track List:
1. “Raised Up Wrong” (Dillon Carmichael, Jared Conrad, Devin Dawson, Josh Phillips)
2. “Good Ol’ Day”
3. “When She’s Drinkin’”
4. “She Gone” (Dillon Carmichael, Rhett Akins, Michael Whitworth)
5. “Home” (Dillon Carmichael, Trent Willmon, Phil O’Donnell)
6. “No Matter How Hard I Try” (Jonathan Singleton, Jim Beavers)
7. “Someone Like You” (Dan Wilson, Adele Adkins)
8. “Tiny Little Fiddle” (Dillon Carmichael, Brett Tyler, Brent Anderson)
9. “Keepin’ Country Alive” (Dillon Carmichael, Matt Roy, Paul Sykes)
10. “Hell Freezes Over” (Jonathan Singleton, Josh Dunne, Rob Snyder)
11. “I’d Call Grandpa”
12. “She Likes Me This Way” (Dillon Carmichael, Jimmy Melton, Neal Coty)
13. “Heartbreak Waitin’ To Happen” (Dillon Carmichael, Lindsay Rimes, Neil Medley, Matt Rogers)
14. “Goin’ Places” (Joey Hendricks, Andy Skib, Brett James)
Industry Ink: NSAI, The Opry, SiriusXM, Key West Brunch, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Thomas Miller Participates In Congressional Roundtable Panel
NSAI President and songwriter Lee Thomas Miller performs
NSAI President and songwriter Lee Thomas Miller was a panelist on a Congressional roundtable on Friday (May 9) in Nashville that focused on music and artificial intelligence and oversight of the U.S. Copyright Office. The roundtable was held by the House Administration Committee Chaired by Bryan Steil (WI) who attended along with Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY).
Savannah Bananas & Party Animals Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
The Savannah Bananas and Party Animals make their Opry debut performing with LoCash. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The world-famous Savannah Bananas and Party Animals surprised the crowd at the Grand Ole Opry Friday night (May 9). The Bananas were in Nashville for their sold-out game at Nissan Stadium on Saturday night, and several Savannah Bananas and Party Animals players barreled through the front doors of the Opry House and ran down the aisles greeting fans as they made their way to country music’s biggest stage to make their Opry debut performing with LoCash on their hit “I Love This Life.”
Mac McAnally & Kenny Chesney Reflect On Buddy Jimmy Buffett On Special SiriusXM Tribute
Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally
SiriusXM’s Radio Margaritaville and No Shoes Radio collaborated on a moving tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett with a special episode of Songlines & Stories: Reflections on Jimmy Buffett with Mac McAnally and Kenny Chesney. In the exclusive conversation, McAnally and Chesney shared offstage memories, onstage stories and the enduring impact of their friendship with the freewheeling Jimmy Buffett. From insights into songwriting and music to shows and off-the-cuff laughs, this celebration of legacy, love, and laid-back living offers a few surprises during this session of one of Radio Margaritaville’s best loved programs. Listeners can hear the special on-demand here: sxm.app.link/SonglinesStories.
The MLC/NSAI/Bluebird Cafe Host Key West Songwriters Brunch
Pictured (L-R): Jaime Scorby (The Bluebird Cafe), Jill Moody (NSAI), Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI), Lyndsie McClure (NSAI), Jamie Dominguez (The MLC), Ellen Truley (The MLC), Kayla Ott (The MLC) and Erika Wollam Nichols (The Bluebird Cafe)
Songwriters and industry professionals recently gathered in Key West for a special Songwriters Brunch co-hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) and The Bluebird Café. The event featured intimate live performances and provided an opportunity for music creators and industry professionals to connect and collaborate.
Syntax Creative Hires Two New Staffers
Brooke Thielen and Amanda Williams
Syntax Creative has hired two new members to its growing team, including Amanda Williams as Director of Communications, and Brooke Thielen as Release Coordinator. Williams joined Syntax in May 2025 and brings a BA in Creative Writing from Gardner-Webb University, along with a decade of experience in communications and marketing strategy. Thielen came on board in April 2025 as Release Coordinator. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Music, she has served in A&R, Artist Services, booking and marketing.
“Amanda has that rare mix of being a clear thinker, a creative writer, and someone who actually cares. She’s going to help us sharpen our message without losing our soul,” shares Syntax CEO Timothy Trudeau. “Brooke is the kind of person you want on your team when things get chaotic. She jumps into the mess, finds what matters, and delivers. And she does it all with heart.”
RBR Entertainment Names New Executive Team
Chris Myers
RBR Entertainment has named a new executive team. At the helm is CEO and President Chris Myers, who is now also leading A&R for the label. Donna Roberts, known for her work in production and live entertainment, is helping shape the label’s operational and creative strategies while playing a central role in artist development. Joining her is MJ Brickey, who now serves as Industry Relations Executive. As the Nashville-based label deepens its roots in bluegrass and Americana, former president Billy Droze shifts focus to his solo career while continuing to influence the label’s creative vision.
“This new chapter is about deepening our commitment to the artists we serve,” says Myers. “We’re blending experience with fresh energy, and building something that honors tradition while making space for innovation.”
Taylor Phillips Re-Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Phillips.
Taylor Phillips has re-entered the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Nate Smith’s “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” Jelly Roll’s “Liar” and Chris Janson’s “Me & A Beer” push the songwriter to No. 12 this week.
Riley Green remains in the No. 1 slot with solo-penned “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Favorite Country Song,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Me & A Beer,” “Not At This Party,” “Park” and “She Hates Me.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Morgan Wallen (No. 4) and Ernest (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Lee Brice Plots ‘What You Know About That Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Brice has revealed his upcoming “What You Know About That Tour,” set to kick off in Clearwater, Florida on Sept. 11.
Fellow artists joining the tour include Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Corey Kent, Lewis Brice and Grace Tyler. The 15-date tour will visit Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Virginia Beach and more, wrapping on Oct. 25 in Raleigh.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (May 16) here.
“What You Know About That Tour” Dates:
9.11.25- Clearwater, FL- The BayCare Sound
9.12.25- Fort Lauderdale, FL- War Memorial Auditorium
9.13.25- Saint Augustine, FL- The St. Augustine Amphitheater
9.18.25- Youngstown, OH- Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
9.19.25- Rochester Hills, MI- Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
9.20.25- Rosemont, IL- Rosemont Theatre
9.25.25- Indianapolis, IN- Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
9.26.25- Waukee, IA- Vibrant Music Hall
9.27.25- Fargo, ND- Scheels Arena
10.16.25- Bridgeport, CT- Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
10.17.25- New York, NY- Hammerstein Ballroom
10.18.25- Portland, ME- Cross Insurance Arena
10.23.25- Fairfax, VA- EagleBank Arena
10.24.25- Virginia Beach, VA- The Dome
10.25.25- Raleigh, NC- Red Hat Amphitheater
Ashley McBryde Recognized With Doctorate of Music From Alma Mater
/by Lorie HollabaughDoctor Ashley McBryde. Photo: Rebecca Worthington
Ashley McBryde received an honorary Doctorate of Music on Saturday (May 10) from her alma mater, Arkansas State University, during the university’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
Chancellor Todd Shields recognized during the ceremony that McBryde’s “determination and contributions to American Music is a testament to the opportunities that higher education can open and inspire for generations of Arkansas State University alums.”
“Earning a degree in music has always been something I’ve placed a lot of value in,” said McBryde. “It was something I felt I needed to accomplish. In my time here at A-State, I found my passion not only for performing, but for creating other musicians. The music education program is priceless. I’m so thankful for educators that pushed me to strive for excellence: Greg and Hope Bruner, Robin Dauer, Ed Alexander, Doctor Ken Carroll, Doctor Tom O’Connor and so many more. While my path to music education wound up looking a little different than a traditional one, I never lost my passion for music education, and I work alongside music educators every chance I get. Thank you for shaping me into the advocate I became, the musician I am today and the entrepreneur I didn’t know I was going to have to be.”
McBryde will perform tomorrow (May 13) at Opry 100 Honors: Loretta Lynn, and is also set to perform at CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium, at Country Thunder Wisconsin and Alberta, at WE Fest, and more this summer, along with her headlining dates.
Chris Lane Slates New Record For June
/by Lauryn SinkChris Lane.
Chris Lane will release his next album, Shade Tree, on June 20 via Red Street Records. Alongside the announcement, the record’s title track is available now.
The 12-track project marks Lane’s first full album since his 2018 Laps Around The Sun. Produced by Dann Huff and Jay DeMarcus, the album features four previously-released songs, including Lane’s country radio single, “If I Die Before You,” “What Am I Supposed to Tell The Dog” and his latest release with CMT Next Women of Country’s Abby Anderson, “Fire We Found.”
Shade Tree Track List:
1. “Shade Tree” (Chris Lane, Randy Montana, Mark Trussell)
2. “Can’t Buy Time” (Chris Lane, Jared Keim, Micah Carpenter, Travis Wood)
3. “What Am I Supposed To Tell The Dog” (Chris Lane, Seth Mosley, Jameson Rodgers, Lydia Vaughan)
4. “Fire We Found feat. Abby Anderson” (Chris Lane, Cameron Bedell, Mark Trussell)
5. “2x4s and 4x6s” (Chris Lane, Ben Williams, Casey Brown)
6. “Whiskey Wanted” (Jeb Gipson, Smith Ahnquist, Will Bundy)
7. “Shootin’ Stars” (Chris Lane, Michael Lotten, Michael Whitworth)
8. “Problematic” (Chris Lane, Jameson Rodgers, Lydia Vaughan, Seth Mosley)
9. “If I Die Before You” (Emily Weisband, James McNair, Seth Mosley)
10. “Nothin’ To Wear” (Jerry Flowers, Emily Weisband, Seth Mosley, Jordan Walker)
11. “Bar Without A Beer” (Chris Lane, Hunter Phelps, Andy Sheridan, Ashley Gorley)
12. “She’s Got A Type” (Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Michael Hardy)
The Red Clay Strays Add European Dates To ‘Get Right Tour’
/by Madison HahnenThe Red Clay Strays. Photo: Marcie Coleman
The Red Clay Strays will head overseas on their “2025 Get Right European Tour.”
The 2025 ACM New Duo/Group Of The Year will begin the European trek on Oct. 1o in Stockholm, and made additional stops in Zurich, Glasgow, Dublin and more before wrapping up on Nov. 13 in Belfast. Early James will join the tour as direct support.
The new run of dates will follow their “2025 Get Right U.S. Tour,” which kicks off July 3 with a three night run in Orange Beach, Alabama. The group is currently gearing up for their first Australian run, kicking off May 17 with a sold-out show in Brisbane.
Tickets for the European run will be available starting tomorrow (May 13) at 5 p.m. local time via pre-sale, with general on-sale beginning this Friday (May 16) at 10 a.m. local time here.
“2025 Get Right European Tour” Dates:
Oct. 20 – Debaser – Stockholm, Sweden
Oct. 22 – Sentrum Scene – Oslo, Norway
Oct. 23 – Vega Main – Copenhagen, Denmark
Oct. 24 – Fabrik – Hamburg, Germany
Oct. 26 – Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, Germany
Oct. 27 – X-Tra – Zurich, Switzerland
Oct. 29 – Paradiso – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oct. 31 – Elysee Montmartre – Paris, France
Nov. 2 – De Roma – Antwerp, Belgium
Nov. 4 – O2 Academy – Glasgow, UK
Nov. 6 – O2 Academy – Birmingham, UK
Nov. 9 – Roundhouse – London, UK
Nov. 11 – National Stadium – Dublin, Ireland
Nov. 13 – Ulster Hall – Belfast, UK
Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, More To Play Feels Like Home Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Rogers Band, Pat Green and Josh Abbott Band are among the lineup for the second annual Feels Like Home Festival, which returns October 4 to the Brownwood Event Center in Brownwood, Texas.
Stoney LaRue, Bottomland, Graham St. Clair Band and Joe Peters will also perform at the outdoor celebration of rural Texas, country music and authentic Texas BBQ, and a number of artists from the greater Brownwood area will also perform on a secondary stage to help shine a light on the local music talent in the region.
“We are thrilled with this year’s music lineup for the second annual Feels Like Home Festival,” says Brownwood Mayor Stephen E. Haynes. “We encourage residents and visitors to enjoy this year’s event and experience all the great things Brownwood has to offer.”
GA and VIP tickets for the festival will go on sale May 16 at FeelsLikeHomeFest.com.
Celebration Of Life Set For Ben Vaughn
/by LB CantrellBen Vaughn
A celebration honoring the life and legacy of Warner Chappell Nashville President & CEO Ben Vaughn will take place on June 9 at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University.
Doors will open at 9:00 a.m., with light refreshments available. The Performance Hall will open at 9:30 a.m., and the service will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Guests may enter through the doors off Belmont Boulevard. Parking is available in the South Garage (1521 Compton Avenue) and the Curb Garage (1520 Bernard Avenue).
Vaughn passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 30 at age 49.
He spent over a decade at the helm of Warner Chappell Nashville, overseeing all creative and commercial activities across A&R, administration, business development, finance and human resources. Vaughn also worked with staff songwriters, while actively engaging in songwriter advocacy and rights protection initiatives.
Under his leadership, the company earned multiple Country Publisher of the Year honors from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, achieving the prestigious Triple Crown in 2019 by sweeping all three PRO awards. His songwriters amassed 19 CMA, ACM, Grammy, or PRO Songwriter of the Year honors, 35 Song of the Year titles, and eight inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Vaughn was a fierce advocate for songwriters in and outside of Nashville, whether they were affiliated with Warner Chappell or not. He often spoke of the plight of the craft and lent his expertise to those in the community.
Read Vaughn’s full obituary here.
Country Star Johnny Rodriguez Passes
/by Robert K OermannJohnny Rodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez, one of country music’s biggest stars of the 1970s, died in Texas on Friday (May 9) at age 73.
Famed for such hits as “Pass Me By” and “Just Get Up and Close the Door,” Rodriguez was a ground-breaking Latino artist in the country field. Songs such as “Eres Tu” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart“ were performed in both Spanish and English. Between 1972 and 1989, Johnny Rodriguez placed 45 songs on the country charts.
Born in Sabinal, Texas, Juan Raoul Davis Rodriguez was a juvenile offender. As a teenager, he was paroled to entertain at the Alamo Village tourist attraction near San Antonio. This was when he was dubbed “Johnny.” Tom T. Hall heard him there and took him under his wing.
Hall brought Rodriguez to Nashville to become a member of his Storytellers band. Rodriguez signed with Hall’s label home, Mercury Records. Hall’s brother Hillman Hall wrote the 21-year-old Texan’s 1972 debut single, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through).” It became the first of a string of 15 consecutive top-10 smashes for the youngster. The song became a modern country standard recorded by more than 35 artists, including a 1980 hit revival by Janie Fricke.
Rodriguez and Tom T. Hall co-wrote “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me).” In 1973, it became the first of his six No. 1 hits. Rodriguez also wrote “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” (1973) and “Dance With Me (Just One More Time)” (1974). He won the ACM Award as Top New Male Vocalist of 1973 and was nominated for the CMA’s Horizon Award.
Music City’s top-tier country songwriters soon began providing Rodriguez with material. Larry Gatlin wrote “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind” (1975) and “If Practice Makes Perfect” (1977). Linda Hargrove wrote “Just Get Up and Close the Door” (1975) and “Savin’ This Love Song for You” (1977). In 1976, Mickey Newbury offered “I Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye” and Billy Joe Shaver provided “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You.” Ben Peters was behind 1975’s chart-topping “Love Put a Song in My Heart,” and Dan Penn and Johnny Christopher co-wrote 1976’s “Hillbilly Heart.”
Rodriguez revived Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shaffer’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” in 1974. The song later became a big hit for Merle Haggard, too. The 1978 Rodriguez hit “We Believe in Happy Endings” was penned by Bob McDill. Ten years later, it was revived in a duet by Emmylou Harris and Earl Thomas Conley.
The new star’s yearning tenor easily adapted pop tunes for country listeners, notably George Harrison’s “Something” (1974), Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil’s “We’re Over” (1974) and The Eagles’ “Desperado” (1977).
“Love Me With All of Your Heart” had been a huge hit for the pop chorale The Ray Charles Singers in 1964, but the song originated in Mexico as “Cuando Calienta El Sol.” In 1978, Johnny Rodriguez’s bilingual country hit brought the song back to its roots. “Eres Tu (Touch the Wind)” was an international smash for the Spanish pop group Mocedades in 1974. Rodriguez adapted it for country music three years later.
The handsome young country star guested on such TV shows as Adam 12 and The Dating Game. He was also featured in the 1976 B-movie Nashville Girl. He toured internationally, appearing in countries such as Switzerland, England, South Korea, France, Spain, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Guam and Poland, as well as Canada and Mexico.
The hits came less frequently after Johnny Rodriguez signed with Epic Records. His co-written “Down on the Rio Grande” was a top-10 hit in 1979. The 1983 releases “Foolin’” and “How Could I Love Her So Much” repeated the feat. He wrote his Epic singles “Born With the Blues” (1982) and “Back on Her Mind Again” (1983). Other highlights during his tenure with Epic included the top-20 singles “Fools For Each Other” (1979, another song he co-wrote), “What’ll I Tell Virginia” (1979), “North of the Border” (1980) and “Too Late to Go Home” (1984). “I Hate the Way I Love It” was a 1979 duet with label-mate Charly McClain.
His final top-20 success came when he signed with Capitol and issued “I Didn’t (Every Chance I Had)” in late 1987. When Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson recorded their debut album as The Highwaymen in 1985, they invited Rodriguez to provide a Spanish vocal for their version of Woody Guthrie’s song “Deportee.” Another late-career highlight was his performance of “Across the Valley From the Alamo” on the CMA-nominated Asleep at the Wheel CD Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys in 1994.
He remained a popular concert attraction, particularly back home in Texas. Rodriguez performed for the presidential inauguration of Texan George H.W. Bush in 1989. The singer was married three times, including a seven-month union with Willie Nelson’s daughter Lana in 1995.
Rodriguez developed drug and alcohol problems. In 1998, he shot and killed an acquaintance, believing him to be a burglar in his home. A jury acquitted him of murder in 1999.
His career never recovered. Rodriguez recorded little-noticed, independent-label albums for Intersound (1993), Hightone (1996), Paula (1996), Intercontinental (2001), KRB (2007), RunninWide (2012) and other small imprints. He continued to perform in the Lone Star State into his 60s and 70s. Johnny Rodriguez was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He staged a triumphant revival at the CMA Music Fest in 2017.
Johnny Rodriguez entered hospice care last week. His death was announced by his singing daughter, Aubry Rodriguez. Her debut single is “Pass Me By” as a tribute to her father. No funeral arrangements have been announced.