Johnny Canales, Tejano TV Host Who Championed Selena, Dies at 77

Johnny Canales, the Mexican TV host and Tejano singer, has died at 77. His family shared the news on Facebook Thursday with a heartfelt message informing fans of the entertainer’s death. No cause of death was provided.

“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,” read a statement on The Johnny and Nora Canales Show‘s Facebook page. “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 statement continued. “We thank you all for your kind words, love, and support during this difficult time. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Canales was a fierce advocate of Mexican music on his TV show, which jumped between Univision and Telemundo in the late Eighties and Nineties. During that time, he showcased artists such as Los Tigres Del Norte, La Mafia, and Selena, whom he championed early in her career.

Canales was born in Nuevo Leon and led a variety show in Corpus Christi in the early Eighties, where he coined the catchphrase, “You got it, take it away.”

“Our most sincere condolences, we will always remember Johnny Canales as a jovial and very happy person,” read a comment from Los Cadetes de Linares on the Facebook page. “It was a pleasure to participate in his programs and share with the beloved audience.”

Canales had a stroke in 2008 that limited his mobility and his health began to decline since then, according to Billboard. He also led an online show with his wife in 2010 and was honored with a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars in 2016.