Johnny Rodriguez, country star with hits like “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” died at the age of 73 on May 9. He entered hospice care earlier this week.

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.” By Livia Albeck-Ripka Johnny Rodriguez, ...