Johnny Rodriguez














Johnny Rodriguez
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Johnny's love affair with music began in Sabinal, Texas where he was born December 10, 1951, the ninth of ten children in a boisterous Mexican-Irish household. "My parents favored Latin music; my older brothers preferred country; my friends were into rock and roll, I loved it all." At 16 Johnny formed his first band, 'The Spocks' "named after Mr. Spock on Star Trek" while still in high school. He arrived in Nashville in 1971 with $14.00 in his pocket. "I couldn't even afford a case for my guitar, so I carried it wrapped in a plastic bag." Two weeks later he was playing lead guitar in Tom T. Hall's band. After signing his first recording contract in 1972, he recorded 11 consecutive #1 singles, becoming a country music super star before his 22nd birthday. In 1979 he recorded for CBS Epic and spent approximately 125 days a year on the road with his band, The Hole In The Wall Gang, traveling to concerts throughout the country in his custom designed bus. His home was a 27 acre farm 12 miles from Nashville where he lived as a bachelor in a 100 year old log cabin surrounded by woods and wildlife. Johnny acchieved a Black Belt in TAE KWON DO for health and escape. (The previous paragraph was obtained from a publication distributed and sold to fans at one of JR's concert). Native of Sabinal, Tx., Rodriguez was approached 24 years ago by Ed Low, director of the Life Enrichment center, to host a fund-raising telethon. "The enrichment center was started by private citizens due to the unavailable government subsidy to benefit handicapped youth in the southwest Texas area," Low said. "We approached Johnny because we wanted someone who felt something for the citizens of the area, who would work his heart out for the charity. We knew Johnny to be such a person." Rodriguez, who has not forgotten his early background, said "I have been really fortunate in my life, and I just feel as though I have to give something back. Helping Mexican-American children and people who are less fortunate is my way of doing this." (The previous paragraph inserted from CASHBOX). Appearing at the telethon with Johnny in 1979 were other famed artists such as Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Tom T. Hall, and Waylon Jennings.
Date Venue City State Note
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08/27/2007 - Three Added to Texas Country Music Hall of Fame - Read More
06/20/2007 - Texas singer Johnny Rodriguez arrested on drug charges  - Read More
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Average Rating : 4.9              Total Reviews: 33


Johnny Rodriguez  02/08/2019            
Frank james
I am a huge fan. I love his first two albums. I feel they are his best work. he should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Johnny Rodriguez  10/07/2012            
Sandy salinas
Johnny was in Robert Lee Tx last night. And I didn't get to go it broke my heart. I have always been a fan and always will be. Sandy
Johnny Rodriguez  09/13/2011            
Cl Robles
JR was and is the best, I hear he may not be performing out there, wish he would. I have followed him since he started, would like to see him one more time, anyone have any info where he may be playing at? THank you an God Bless Johnny Rodriguez! Ralph Emery loved to hear him sing like we all do!
Johnny Rodriguez  01/18/2010            
nkmh
would like to know where johnny will be playing . can`t seam to find out anything about where he will be in 2010. Notice in pictures he has lost alot of weight.hope he will be feeling better soon.
Johnny Rodriguez  12/30/2009            
al
Is Johnny playing anywhere new years eve?
Johnny Rodriguez  12/17/2009            
Johnny Rodriguez-"What'll I tell Virginaina"
This song titled "What'll I Tell Virginia" was on JR's 1979 Epic Album "Through My Eyes" and on his 1982 Epic Album "Biggest Hits" . If by chance Lone Star Music does not have it, then try a vintage record shop in Nashville, located on Broadway called The Great Escape. Matt Stevens
Johnny Rodriguez  12/10/2009            
marlena
Does anyone know where I can get the song "What Will Miss Virgina Say" that Johnny recorded a long time ago? It is about Happy Shahan's widow.
Johnny Rodriguez  10/15/2009            
levi
Erin, It's on "My Third Album". i will be gone when you read this last letter from me. Sure, that's it!
Johnny Rodriguez  10/15/2009            
levi
Erin, The song about writing a letter MUST be "The Last Letter". This is the only song I remember Rodriguez recording which was about writing a letter. Searched my albums (some are missing)and cannot find that song on those I have. It's an EARLY album which has this song. If I find it I will post.
Johnny Rodriguez  10/12/2009            
Matt
The name of the song the reviewer was asking about is called, "I couldn't Be Me Without You", recorded by Rodriguez and I think Billy Jo Shaver wrote it.
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