Longtime TV show host Johnny Canales dies at 77

Juan José Canales, also known by his stage name Johnny Canales, was a popular Mexican Tejano singer and host of the television show "The Johnny Canales Show." The Tejano icon’s death was announced last month on his show’s Facebook account. The cause of death was not disclosed.

“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 family wrote. “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,” the statement continued. “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.”

Earlier in the year, several radio stations began reporting that Canales was gravely ill. Due to the rumors, Canales and his wife, Nora, posted a video on his social media platforms to thank his fans for their prayers.  “We're going to do better with your prayers,” Canales said and ended his video with his signature saying, “You got it. Take it away.”

Canales’ wife said Canales had been dealing with complications connected to a stroke he suffered in 2008, the Corpus Christi Crónica said in its Facebook post.

Canales, who was born in General Treviño, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, played a key role in popularizing the Tejano and Norteño genres in the United States through his weekly syndicated variety show, which aired from 1983 to 2005. 

Not only was Canales well known in South Texas, but also throughout the world as a driving force behind the popularity of Tejano music. He introduced Tejano artists like Selena to wide audiences with his TV show. As soon as the program premiered in Corpus Christi, Texas, other stations in the area started to quickly pick it up. 

“Johnny Canales is the Mexican American equivalent of Dick Clark because he broke everyone in,” Ramón Hernández, a Tejano historian and musicologist, told the L.A. Times in a 2020 story on the television host. “You didn’t have to be famous, you didn’t have to have a top-selling record. He would just put you on.”

"The Johnny Canales Show" was among the most widely viewed shows in the U.S. by the mid-1980s, an achievement made even more impressive that it was broadcast in the Spanish language. It was so famous that it was showcased in 23 countries after being picked up by Univision and its rival network Telemundo. Before the show’s ending in 2005, it aired many Tejano artists who graced the show’s stage, including the Texas Tornados, Little Joe and La Mafia as well as Los Dinos and many more.

Canales and his wife, Nora, launched a new show called “El Nuevo Show de Johnny y Nora Canales” in 2010. Canales was later honored for his contributions to pop culture with a formal induction into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars in 2016.