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.

The first popular Mexican American country artist, he was best known for the 1970s hits “I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico.”

Johnny Rodriguez, first Mexican American country star, known for hits like 'That's the Way Love Goes' and 'Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico,' has died at 73.