Rodríguez grew up in El Barrio (Spanish Harlem), New York, being interested in stickball (street baseball), rather than music.
[1] Nonetheless, influenced by his father, 17-year old Johnny earned a position playing bongos in the Tito Puente Orchestra.
[2] He recorded with Ray Barretto, Willie Bobo, Cheo Feliciano, Wade Marcus, Orlando Marin, Gene Harris, Charlie Palmieri, Roberto Torres, Willie Rosario, Ralfi Pagan, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, The Cesta All-Stars, Pupi y Su Charanga, David Newman, Louie Ramirez, Ismael Quintana, The Manhattan Transfer, Vitin Aviles, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, David Amram, Fania All-Stars, Conjunto Clasico, Tito Nieves, Junior Gonzalez, Miguel Quintana, Henri Guédon, Charlie Rodriguez Y Su Conjunto, Henry Fiol, Tito Allen, Alfredo De La Fé, Johnny Rodriguez y Su Orquesta, Hector Ramos, Ray Martinez Y Su Sabor Criollo, Judy Kreston, David Lahm, Paquito D'Rivera, Lionel Hampton, La India, Cayuco, Angelo Vaillant, Ernest Alvarez, Frankie Morales, Orestes Vilató, Joe Cuba, Jimmy Sabater, Adalberto Santiago, and Johnny Cruz.
[5] Rodriguez led the Mambo Legends Orchestra along with Mitch Frohman and directed by Jose Madera up until his death.
[6] He was nicknamed "La Vaca" (The Cow) by Machito's trumpeter Mario Bauzá in 1943, because of the young percussionist's large appearance.