Latino music icon Johnny Canales, host of the syndicated television program The Johnny Canales Show, has died at age 77, his family announced Thursday. No cause has been released, but his wife, Nora Canales, reported to the media that he died at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday night.
A Facebook post today confirmed his death.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Johnny Canales,” a post on the singer’s Facebook page said.
The post said Canales “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 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 Canales show aired on Univision Network from 1988 to 1996, and then joined Telemundo in 1997, where it aired for a few more years. Canales was widely credited with introducing mainstream audiences to Selena Quintanilla. She made one of her first live TV appearances on his show in the mid ’80s at age 13.
Ill health plagued Canales in his later years. But in 2014, alongside his wife, Nora, he returned with a revamped music variety show “El Show de Johnny and Nora Canales.”
“We thank you all for your kind words, love, and support during this difficult time. 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.”
No survivor information or memorial plans were immediately available.
The post Johnny Canales Dies: Tejano Singer And TV Host Who Introduced Selena Was 77 appeared first on Deadline.
