Johnny Rodriguez Ridin’ His Thumb To Mexico On Rick’s Retro Rack [VIDEO]

On today's "retro Rack" is a singer who was a constant hit maker in the 70's. He chalked up 14 consecutive Top Ten hits starting in 1973. But Johnny Rodriguez didn't take the easiest road to get his music career in gear.

Rodriguez was sing and playing music in his teens. After his father died, his life took another turn. He was arrested four times in two years.

But being in jail turned out to be a blessing, because Joaquin Jackson, a Texas Ranger, heard him sing in jail. That led to a job singing at the Alamo Village Amusement Park in the early 70's.

It was there that two of country music's biggest stars at the time, Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare, discovered Rodriguez and took him to Nashville. He became a part of Hall's band.

It was long after that Rodriguez signed a contract with Mercury Records and in 1973 released his debut single, "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)". It climbed into the Top Ten.

The next release was his first Number One song and it would be the first of many.

Johnny Rodriguez on "Rick's Retro Rack"