Johnny Canales dead at 76: Tejano music legend who helped Selena Quintanilla break into the mainstream passes away

Tejano music legend Johnny Canales - who helped singer Selena Quintanilla break in the mainstream - has died aged 76.

The star's wife Nora announced his death on social media on Thursday - and paid tribute to Canales' 'infectious charisma' and 'dedication to promoting Latino music.'

The post read: '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. 

Tejano music legend Johnny Canales - who helped singer Selena Quintanilla break in the mainstream - has died aged 76 (pictured 2005)

The singer and host of the The Johnny Canales Show - which debuted in 1983 - was credited with breaking Selena into the music scene - with one of the future star's first live performances on his show aged 13 in 1985 - pictured together in 1994

'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.'

The singer and host of the The Johnny Canales Show - which debuted in 1983 - was credited with breaking Selena into the music scene - with one of the future star's first live performances on his show taking place on her 13th birthday in 1985. 

Introducing the starlet, he coined the motto: 'You got it! Take It Away!'

Selena would go on to become known as the 'Queen of Tejano music' before she was murdered in 1995 aged just 23 by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar. 

His program showcased emerging bands from Mexico and the United States which included La Sombra de Chicago, Nancy, La Mafia, Mazz, Intocable and Grupo Pegasso De Emilio Reyna.

He is survived by wife Nora and daughters Seleste and Miroslava. 

Nora has previously revealed Johnny had been battling health challenges since suffering a stroke in 2008. 

She shared a video last May reporting that the singer was in poor health, saying: 'We are taking care of him, we are attending to him.'

The star is survived by wife Nora (in green) and daughters Seleste and Miroslava

Canales was born in Mexico and raised in Robstown, Texas. He began his broadcasting career at a Spanish-language radio station after a tour of military service in German, per 3News

The star looked in good spirits in a candid snap from his Facebook page 

The star is pictured with La Mafia at the 2005 Billboard Latin Music Awards

The Johnny Canales Show debuted in 1983 and won acclaim across Texas - it eventually aired internationally from 1988 to 1995

Nora has previously revealed Johnny had been battling health challenges since suffering a stroke in 2008 

Another video that month showed the frail star saying: 'We're going to do better with your prayers. You got it. Take it away.'

Canales was born in Mexico and raised in Robstown, Texas. He began his broadcasting career at a Spanish-language radio station after a tour of military service in German, per 3News.

The Johnny Canales Show debuted in 1983 and won acclaim across Texas - it eventually aired internationally from 1988 to 1995.

In 2014 alongside wife Nora Johnny revamped his variety show - now named  El Show de Johnny and Nora Canales