Johnny Rodriguez

Juan Raul Davis, known professionally as Johnny Rodriguez, was born on December 10, 1951, in Sabinal, Texas. After facing personal struggles that led to legal troubles at age 18, he was discovered by Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson while incarcerated and began performing at Alamo Village. This opportunity brought him to the attention of country singers Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare, who encouraged his move to Nashville. Rodriguez signed with Mercury Records in 1972 after a successful audition. His first single, "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)", reached number 9 on the Hot Country Songs list that year. He achieved his first Number 1 hit with "You Always Come Back to Hurting Me" and followed it with another chart-topper, "Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico". His debut album Introducing rose to Number 1 on the Top Country Albums chart in 1973. Throughout the 1970s, Rodriguez released several successful singles, including "I Just Can't Get Her Out of My Mind", and was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year by the CMA Awards in 1973. In 1975, Rodriguez became known as part of the outlaw country movement. In 1979, he switched to Epic Records and released his self-titled album Rodriguez. Notable hits from this period include "Down on the Rio Grande" and "Foolin'". Despite personal struggles, including a murder charge in 1998, Rodriguez continued to tour extensively until his death on May 9, 2025.

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