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.

Mexican music and country music said almost the same thing, just in different languages,' the late singer said in a documentary.

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.