Johnny Canales, the iconic television host who dedicated his career to promoting Norteño and Tejano music in the United States, has died at 77. The announcement was made on his Facebook page Thursday (June 13).
“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,” reads the message. “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.”
The Johnny Canales Show was an important platform for regional Mexican music artists, including Los Tigres del Norte, Los Relámpagos del Norte and Intocable, and was the prime mover of Selena’s career. “You got it, take it away” was one of the most famous phrases Canales used in his broadcasts to encourage artists in their nascent careers.
Born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, he moved to the Corpus Christi, Texas, area at a very young age. From childhood, he showed his passion for music and became a singer. However, it was in television hosting where he found stardom.
From 1988 to 1996, his program was broadcast on the Univision network, which allowed him to reach thousands of Mexicans living in the United States and become a cultural standard bearer for migrants. In 1997 he joined Telemundo, where he remained for several years, and later, his own show would be broadcast would be through their networks.
However, Canales’ health began to deteriorate in 2008 after suffering a stroke that led to loss of mobility, and forced him to give up television broadcasting. At the beginning of 2024, he appeared in networks in delicate health, reporting himself stable from his home. However, he would become weaker and weaker until his last days.
Below, watch a clip of Johnny Canales in action.
