The first popular Mexican American country artist, he was best known for the 1970s hits “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico.”

A country music pioneer who racked up several chart-topping hits during the 1970s has died at the age of 73. Johnny Rodriguez died on Friday, May 9 “surround by family,” his daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, wrote on social media.

Johnny Rodriguez's death was announced by his daughter, Aubry, in an Instagram post on Friday, May 9. The late singer had reportedly entered hospice care earlier in the week, 'Saving Country Music' reported.