Mexican-American singer Johnny Rodriguez, whose 1970s country hits topped charts, die

[Matt Dillon]

Country-music star Johnny Rodriguez, a popular Mexican-American singer best known for chart-topping hits in the 1970s, including “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind,” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “That’s the Way Love Goes,” has died. He was 73.

Rodriguez died Friday, according to social media statements posted by his daughter, Aubry Rodriguez. She said he died peacefully and surrounded by family.

Mexican-American singer Johnny Rodriguez, whose 1970s country hits topped charts, dies at 73

[surveyor]

Excellent interview of Tom T. Hall and Rodriguez with Ralph Emery on "POP Goes The Country" in the 70s and Hall's first encounter with Rodriguez, who ended up in his band after arriving in Nashville.

Rodriguez performed a stellar rendition of Mickey Newbury's "I Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye" on POP! Goes the Country in the mid-70s.

[surveyor]

Little known trivia about Rodriguez was, I seem to recall he held a black belt in karate.