Tejano singer and television presenter who introduced Selena was 77

Latino music icon Johnny Canales, host of the syndicated television show The Johnny Canales Show, has died at the age of 77, his family said Thursday. The cause of death has not yet been announced, but his wife Nora Canales told the media that he died at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday night.

A Facebook post confirmed his death today.

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“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnny Canales,” said a post on the singer’s Facebook page.

The post said Canales was “more than just a beloved husband, father, television host, musician and entertainer; he was a beacon of hope and joy to countless people. His infectious charisma and dedication to promoting Latino music and culture left a profound impact on the world. Johnny’s spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched and the legacy he built.”

The Canales show aired on Univision Network from 1988 to 1996, and in 1997 it moved to Telemundo, where it continued to air for a few more years. Canales has been widely credited with introducing Selena Quintanilla to mainstream audiences, making one of her first live television appearances on his show in the mid-80s at the age of 13.

In his later years, Canales suffered from poor health, but in 2014 he returned with his wife Nora with a new musical 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 pray for them. Remember him not with sadness, but with the joy and passion he always brought to our lives.”

Information on survivors or memorial plans was not immediately available.

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