On Saturday 10 May 2025, Gene Watson mourned the passing, on Friday 9 May 2025, of fellow country music artist, Johnny Rodriguez.
‘We are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, Johnny Rodriguez, has died at age 73.
We send our sincere condolences to his family.
Johnny stayed true to real country music his entire career, with hits like ‘Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)’, which was written by Hillman Hall (1938 – 1989) (No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1973), and ‘Ridin’ My Thumb To Mexico’ (written by Johnny Rodriguez) (No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in October 1973, and No.70 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1973), and so many more.
RIP, Johnny’
Source
Gene Watson on Facebook
A message from Aubry Rodriguez
‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on Friday 9 May 2025, surrounded by family.
Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humour, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.
We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief.
While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable – and we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together’
On Tuesday 7 February 2023, Johnny Rodriguez graciously submitted a ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson.
