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Johnny Canales, the iconic television host who dedicated his career to popularizing Norteño and Tejano music in the United States, has died at the age of 77. The announcement was made on his Facebook page on Thursday (June 13).
“He was more than just a beloved husband, father, television host, musician and entertainer; he was a beacon of hope and joy to countless people,” the message read. “His infectious charisma and dedication to promoting Latin music and culture left an indelible mark on the world. Johnny's spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched and the legacy he created.”
The Johnny Canales Show was an important platform for Mexican regional music artists such as Los Tigres del Norte, Los Relamágos del Norte and Intocable, and was also a driving force behind Selena's career. “If you've got it, take it” was one of Canales' most famous phrases, often used on air to encourage artists in the early stages of their careers.
Born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, she moved to Corpus Christi, Texas at a young age and discovered a passion for music at an early age, becoming a singer, but it was as a TV host that she rose to stardom.
From 1988 to 1996, his shows aired on the Univision network, making him a cultural standard-bearer for immigrants as his shows reached thousands of Mexicans living in the U.S. In 1997, he joined Telemundo, where he worked for several years, and later began having his own shows air on the company's network.
However, after suffering a stroke in 2008 that robbed him of mobility, Canales' health began to decline, forcing him to give up broadcasting. In early 2024, Canales appeared on the network in a state of precarious health, reporting from his home that he was stable. However, Canales continued to grow weaker until his final days.
Check out a clip of Johnny Canales in action below.