Johnny Rodriguez, who built a superstar-level career as one of country music’s first Hispanic stars in the 1970s, has died. According to his family, the singer died on Friday (May 9), “surrounded by family.

Johnny Rodriguez, one of country music’s first Hispanic stars and known for 1970s hits “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” and “That’s the Way Love Goes,” has died at the age of 73.

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. His daughter, Aubry Rodriguez,