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.

American country music star Johnny Rodriguez has died, aged 73. Following a battle with ill health, Rodriguez was admitted into hospice care earlier this week, only to pass away on May 9. The Texas-born star had six number one hits in the 1970s.

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