CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Tejano musician and television host Johnny Canales has died at the age of 77, his family announced Thursday.
Canales was a pioneer in the Tejano music scene. He hosted “The Johnny Canales Show” from 1983 to 2005, giving a platform to household names in Tejano music including Selena Quintanilla, Los Tigres Del Norte, La Mafia, Intocable and many more.
In a Facebook post, Canales’ family announced his passing, calling him a “beacon of hope and joy.”
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Johnny Canales. He was more than just a beloved husband, father, TV host, musician, and entertainer; he was a beacon of hope and joy for countless people. His infectious charisma and dedication to promoting Latino music and culture left a large mark on the world. Johnny's spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the legacy he built. We thank you all for your kind words, love, and support during this difficult time. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Remember him not with sadness, but with the joy and passion he always brought into our lives.”
The announcement came just weeks after his wife Nora announced that the state of his health was “delicate” and asked for prayers.
Canales is credited with showcasing one of the first live performances of a young Quintanilla with Selena Y Los Dinos.
“The Johnny Canales Show” primarily featured Spanish-language performers, broadening the appeal of the show. “You got it, take it away,” was Canales' memorable catch phrase he uttered when introducing each performer.
The show was later syndicated in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and San Antonio, where a large portion of Spanish speakers live. Univision picked it up in 1988, widening its reach to international audiences.
The show was canceled in 2005 and later became “El Show de Johnny y Nora Canales,” hosted by Canales and his wife.
The Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) posted a tribute to Canales, saying “he filled so many of our homes with a love of Mexican American music and culture.”
Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, eulogized Canales on the House floor Friday morning.
“Johnny was a champion for civil rights, an advocate for veterans, and a musician in his own right. But he was best known as the host of the Johnny Canales Show, a bilingual variety show that ran for decades in the United States and Latin America,” Castro said. “Johnny, you will always be remembered, especially among your loyal fans in South Texas. Que descanse en paz, Johnny. Rest in peace.”