THE PASSING OF COUNTRY SINGER JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

By Trey Rusk

 

 

Yesterday I woke to news of the passing of Country Singer, Johnny Rodriguez. Johnny Rodriguez, born December 10, 1951, in Sabinal, Texas, was a trailblazing American country music singer whose soulful voice and bilingual artistry helped reshape the genre in the 1970s. Discovered by country legend Tom T. Hall, Rodriguez made his debut in 1972 with the album Introducing Johnny Rodriguez, which featured the chart-topping single “Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through).” His blend of traditional country roots with Latin influences was groundbreaking at a time when the genre was still heavily rooted in Anglo-American culture. He became the first major Mexican-American country singer to gain national fame, opening doors for future generations of diverse artists.

I copied part of his history but it is really not the full story. Johnny was grew up around the Uvalde area herding goats for a living. He played and sang for the animals and folks heard him singing in the pastures. Legend has it that Texas Ranger Juaquin Jackson went to visit Johnny to discuss missing livestock in the area. He knew Johnny could sing and recommended him to the owner of the Bracketville Alamo Village tourist attraction. The owner, Rancher, James "Hap" Shahan employed Johnny to sing on weekends. This is the same location where John Wayne built and filmed the epic movie, "The Alamo." Nashville found Johnny and his career took off.

I tell this story because I got to know Johnny while working as an investigator in Matagorda County in 1981. The Sheriff needed someone to work security at the Bay City Fair and Rodeo. Myself and Patrol Captain Robert Thompson caught the detail. It was during this time that Johnny was really climbing the charts and had a number one hit. We escorted Johnny from the stage to his bus. Johnny invited us to come in and visit. We began drinking Coors Beer and talked about hunting, music and guns. We told a few stories and some knee slapping jokes too. You know, Texas stuff. He was a gracious host and after about 5 or 4 beers we stumbled off.  The bus roared away into the night. 

I like all kinds of music but I'm particularly fond of South Texas Country. Johnny, George Strait, Willie Nelson back in his "Red Headed Stranger" days and Freddie Fender.  Adios and Vaya Con Dios, Johnny.