What happened to Johnny Canales? Tejano singer and iconic TV host provides update amid health struggles  

Johnny Canales, star of the Johnny Canales Show, took to social media on Monday, May 20, to address the health challenges he has been dealing with since suffering a stroke in 2008. In his latest clip, the Tejano TV star stated that he is on the road to recovery and expressed gratitude towards his fans for their prayers and well wishes.

For those uninitiated, Johnny Canales is a beloved figure in the Tejano television community. His self-named show, which was released in 1983, introduced several Tejano and Latin musicians to the world. His catchphrase, “You got it, take it away!” is adored by fans.

In a short clip, Canales shared:

"Hello everybody, thank you for all your prayers, we’re doing real great and real good and we’re going to do better with your prayers. So, stick around we’ll be here, we’ll be around. You got it, take it away."

As fans continued to express concern over the aftermath of his stroke, a woman who identified as Johnny Canales’ wife, Nora, assured followers in earlier videos that he was “in good hands” and being cared for by loved ones at home. She also expressed:

"Do know that he is OK. We want to give you a peace of mind."

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Johnny Canales was a key figure in launching Selena’s career

The Latin music industry credits Canales with launching Tejano icon Selena’s career. He invited her and her group, Selena y Los Dinos, to perform on his show when she was just 13 years old.

Speaking about the same, Adrian Arredondo, a Miami-based filmmaker who is working on a documentary on Canales, said in an interview with Texas Public Radio:

"Canales was instrumental in developing Selena from when she was 13, because he gave her the first opportunity on television, and he was instrumental in developing her career through for the next 15 years after that."

He further added:

"Up until her untimely passing in 1994, between ages 13 and between when Selena passed away, she was on the Johnny Canales Show, a show debuting singles performances."

The show also gained immense popularity by showcasing singer Michael Salgado, who later won Grammys for his music. As a staple in many Spanish-speaking households, the show was picked up by Univision in 1988 and broadcast internationally until 1995.

Speaking about the beloved television star, Arredondo also noted that Canales’ dedication to his craft, authenticity, and joy helped him amass an impressive fan following.

In a 2011 interview with Conexion, Johnny Canales reflected on his career, stating:

"It’s good that God gave me that, a way to entertain people and make memories… that’s a good feeling."

As the 74-year-old recovers, a documentary titled Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood is in post-production. The documentary is expected to capture the Tejano music scene and Canales’ significant role within it.