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.”

Johnny Rodriguez, a trailblazing Mexican American country music star whose folksy storytelling propelled him to fame in the 1970s, has died, according to reports. He was 73.

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.