I've always felt the greatest decade in country music history was the 1970's. Now, I'll admit, that might be because that was the decade that I was truly introduced to country music, the decade when I began working in country music radio.

And that was the decade that I and millions of others were introduced to Johnny Rodriguez.

It was Country Music Hall of Fame legends Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall that 'discovered' Johnny and convinced him to come to Nashville. And so at the age of 21 he did, with a guitar in hand and a whopping $14.00 in his pocket.

From his first Top Ten smash in 1973 ('Pass Me By') right on through nearly 20 Top Ten Hits and a half-dozen number one's in that decade alone, the 'guy whole stole the goat' was atop the country music world.

And those Number One smash hits in 1970? Well, there was You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me), Ridin' My Thumb To Mexico, That's The Way Love Goes, I Just Can't Get Her Out Of My Mind, Just Get Up And Close The Door, and Love Put A Song In My Heart.

So whatever happened to Johnny Rodriguez, the Sabinal, Texas native who's had so many great country classics?

Well, Johnny has a terrific website that you can browse here and keep up with the 69-year-old country star! In fact, Johnny has several shows scheduled for 2021.

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