Latin American 1970s and 1980s Mercury, Epic and Capitol chart topping country music act Johnny Rodriguez was a hit with the ladies, and though his flame dimmed at the back end of the latter Rodriguez had both the voice and talent to produce something special given the opportunity.
On reflection of his career, one I followed closely during the period noted is the fact some of the material, some admittedly he wrote and the slicker than needed productions blunted his talent as pop crept into his work; then again, it is called country today. Because, though raised poor Rodriguez was blessed with one of the purest and most fluent voices to grace country music during modern times.
His wondrous voice when in full flow had few equals, and with a feel of Mexican borderland and occasional Spanish verse thrown in now and then Rodriguez had all the colours, and though this collection of cds Johnny Rodriguez, 1979 and Through My Eyes, 1980 aren’t his best ever the listener can’t help but be bowled over with “What’ll I Tell Virginia” (Bob McDill) and respectively, pleased with “Love, Look At Us Now”, “Down On The Rio Grande” and “I'll Go Back To Her” but in the main, the songs and performances aren’t a true reflection on Rodriguez. Him covering the likes of pop tunes “One Two Three” and dreamy ballad “You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' did him nor country music any favours.
Be sure to check out other records by JR; because in the likes of Hillman Hall’s “Pass Me By” and “That’s The Way Love Goes” among others were truly terrific recordings.
Maurice Hope