(RepublicanDaily.org) – The iconic and legendary Tejano musician and host Johnny Canales has passed away at the age of 77.
His family confirmed the artist’s passing in a statement posted on social media, where they grieved over the loss of a “beacon of hope and joy for countless people.” Canales’ family also thanked his fans for their support through the years particularly of Canales’ “dedication to promoting Latino music and culture”, which in turn has left an indelible legacy in the music industry around the world.
The statement, however, did not indicate the cause of Canales’ death, nor provide any other details related to how he passed away.
Canales is credited for bringing the singer Selena, a fellow Tejano, to a mainstream audience through his show, “The Johnny Canales Show.” Selena’s career, while immensely successful, was tragically cut short when she was murdered by a crazed fan. Selena’s life and career was also featured in a Netflix series named after her.
Born in Mexico, Canales musical talent and gift of gab catapulted him to success in the 80s and 90s. He hosted “The Johnny Canales Show” from the 1980s to the 1990s – the show was so popular that it was syndicated and was seen in TV screens all across the U.S., Mexico, and the rest of Latin America.
Many artists reacted to Canales’ passing, with many saying that they were inspired by him and helped by him as well.
Dusty Oliveira, a musician and music producer from Corpus Christi, Texas, said in an interview that he grew up watching Canales’ show, and was inspired by the latter’s success.
“It is really important,” Oliviera said of Canales’ show, “because you want to see people like yourself doing these things.”
Another musician from Corpus Christi, Art Galvan, remembered Canales – whom he toured with in the 1970s – as a funny band member and generous to boot. Galvan said that Canales paid him more than the going rate for musicians at the time.
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