Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature Johnny Rodriguez

Join me Sunday, September 6th at 11 am for the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight featuring singer/songwriter Johnny Rodriguez.  

Johnny was born Juan Raoul Davis Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas in 1951 less than 100 miles from the Mexican border.  He was discovered by Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare, who brought him to Nashville to join Hall’s ‘Storytellers.’

It wasn’t too long after that he signed with Mercury Records, where he released his debut single, Pass Me By. That song became a top ten hit in early 1973.  Then came Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico and You Always Come Back.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s he was one of country music’s most successful male artists, recording a string of hit songs.  He recorded six number one country hits in his career; it’s safe to say the decade from 1973 to 1983 was the decade for Johnny Rodriguez.

In 1998 he shot and killed a man who he thought was a burglar in his home.  He was charged with murder, but was acquitted by a jury who determined the incident was self-defense.

He has been married four times; his third marriage in 1995 was to Lana Nelson, daughter of country singer Willie Nelson, which lasted seven months.  He got married a fourth time to Debbie McNeecey in 1998.  They have a daughter, his only child Aubrey Rae Rodriguez.  He is now living in Texas and continues to record and tour.

Hear more of your favorite country classic hits every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm at 98.1 Minnesota’s New Country, online and on your mobile device.  We take your requests at 320-252-9897 or by email to dick@minnesotasnewcountry.com.