TEXAS — The story of Tejano music legend Johnny Canales is set to hit the big screen with an upcoming documentary called “Take It Away.”

What You Need To Know

  • The story of Tejano legend and television host Johnny Canales will hit the big screen with a documentary titled "Take It Away"

  • Canales' live music show "The Johnny Canales Show" launched the careers of notable Tejano musicians including Selena Quintanilla and Grupo Mazz

  • Myrna Perez and Adrian Arredondo are executive producing the film, along with Texas Monthly and Trojan Horse Media
  • Canales’ family announced his passing on June 13, calling him “more than just a beloved husband, father, TV host, musician, and entertainer; he was a beacon of hope and joy for countless people.” He was 77

The documentary, whose title is inspired by the late television host’s famed catchphrase, “You got it, take it away,” will follow the rise of Latin music through the lens of Canales’ show.

Debuting in 1983, “The Johnny Canales Show” was a staple of countless Mexican households, mainly in South Texas, that launched the careers of musicians including Selena Quintanilla, Grupo Mazz, Intocable and more.

Myrna Perez and Adrian Arredondo are executive producing the film, along with Texas Monthly and Trojan Horse Media.

Perez also executive produced "Selena: The Series," which followed the life of Selena Quintanilla and her rise to stardom. As a kind of foreshadowing, intentional or not, one scene in the show portrayed Selena’s real-life debut on Canales’ show.

“This is a bilingual story of the American Dream. 'Take It Away' is an incredible look into migrant communities and the beauty they’ve created over decades in America,” Arredondo and Perez wrote in a joint statement to Deadline. “The Rio Grande Valley has so much joy to share with the world, and we’re proud Johnny Canales paved the way for us to do so with our music, which today is once again at the top of the charts.”

Canales’ family announced his passing on June 13, calling him “more than just a beloved husband, father, TV host, musician, and entertainer; he was a beacon of hope and joy for countless people.” He was 77.

According to Exile Content, production on “Take It Away” began in 2022.