Canales, a well known Tejano music venue promoter and host of the Johnny Canales Television Show for more than four decades after suffering from aging medical complications has passed away at the age of 77.
By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.
June 13, 2024
Corpus Christi, Texas – On Thursday, Nora Canales, the wife of Johnny Canales, 77, birth name Juan Jóse Canales, a well known TV host and promoter of Tejano Music who created the Johnny Canales Show in 1983 has passed away.
Canales after debuting the Johnny Canales Show in 1983 soon became known as the Mexican Johnny Carson of Tejano Music. The half-hour Canales show was first aired at KRIS 6 TV channel in Corpus Christi, afterwards his TV Tejano Show coverage spread to Southwest Texas, then into Mexico and was later transmitted internationally reaching millions of Tejano music enthusiasts, thus putting Tejano, Latin and Caribbean music on the map.
Canales last interview with Selena in 1994, video link: https://youtu.be/Ie1L4tsdXHw
Canales famous catchphrase in his popular show, “Take It Away, You Got It!”
In 2008, Canales suffered a stroke, which eventually led to his inability to continue as a popular Tejano TV host and his deteriorating health kept Canales from regaining his ability to continue on his quest to produced El Nuevo Show de Johnny and Nora Canales.
In August 2016, Canales was inducted to the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. A sidewalk star recognizing Canales was placed in front of the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Canales and Nora were present for the unveiling of the Johnny Canales sidewalk Star by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars organization.
In July 2016, Canales was recognized for his contribution to Tejano music and culture by the City of Robstown in Texas with a resolution approved by the City Council and Mayor. Canales grew up in Robstown.
Today, Tejano music continues to strive in Texas, Mexico and the Midwest, especially at the annual three-day Mexican Fiesta at the Summerfest grounds (Henry Maier Festival Park) in late August in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year’s Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee is scheduled for August 23-25, 2024.
The City of San Antonio in Texas became known as the Capital of Tejano Music of the World, and the City of Milwaukee later became known as the Capital of Tejano Music in late August during the three-day Mexican Fiesta in the Midwest sponsored by the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc..
On May 20th, he came out on El Show de Johnny y Nora Canales Facebook page thanking his fan base for all the prayers and those wishing him a quick recovery, after rumors spread in social media that he was gravely ill and hospitalized. Nora confirmed that he was at home being taken care by her and her two daughters, Zelestial and Miroslava.
Canales was a pioneer and later became a legend in hosting Tejano music talent in his Johnny Canales Show, which later became El Show de Johnny and Nora Canales in Texas for more than four decades.
Nora Canales released the following announcement in their Facebook page, El Show de Johnny y Nora Canales, “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 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. 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.”
En Español:
“Con gran pesar, anunciamos el fallecimiento de Johnny Canales”.
“Era más que un esposo, padre, presentador de televisión, músico y animador muy querido; fue un faro de esperanza y alegría para innumerables personas. Su carisma contagioso y su dedicación a promover la música y la cultura latina dejaron una gran huella en el mundo. El espíritu de Johnny continuará viviendo a través de las innumerables vidas que tocó y el legado que construyó.
“Les agradecemos a todos por sus palabras amables, amor y apoyo durante este momento difícil. Por favor, mantengan a nuestra familia en sus pensamientos y oraciones. Recuérdenlo no con tristeza, sino con la alegría y la pasión que siempre trajo a nuestras vidas”.
Tejano music, which translates to “Texan” in Spanish, is a blend of Texas-Mexican (Tex-Mex) genres, styles, and ensembles. It evolved in South Texas in the 19th century as immigrants brought their musical traditions with them. Tejano music is influenced by many genres, including American folk, roots, rock, R&B, soul, blues, and country, as well as Latin influences like mariachi, norteño, and Mexican cumbia. It also incorporates Spanish, German, and Czech accordion influences, modern synth keyboards, and jazzy saxophone elements. (AI generated)
On Friday, June 14, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden (D) released the following statement about the passing of Canales, “Johnny Canales was a Tejano music icon who filled Mexican-American homes with the sounds of faith and joy for decades.”
“A husband, father, musician, and champion for Latino and military communities, Johnny left his mark.
“My heart is with his family and all those who he inspired.”
Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)
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