Jose Rosario Gonzalez, Nora Canales with daughters, Pete Astudillo, and Shelly Lares. | Photo: Armando Barraza / Tejano Nation
San Antonio, TX — The 46th annual CineFestival San Antonio came to a powerful and emotional close with the San Antonio premiere of “Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood,” a moving documentary chronicling the legendary career of Johnny Canales. Directed by Adrian Arredondo and Myrna Perez, the film is a heartfelt tribute to the beloved TV host whose groundbreaking show gave Tejano music a national spotlight for decades.
The red-carpet premiere on July 13 turned into a family reunion of Tejano royalty as artists Roberto Pulido, Shelly Lares, Jennifer Peña, Pete Astudillo, Stephanie Montiel, and others gathered to honor Canales’ legacy. The event also served as a deeply personal moment for the Canales family. Johnny’s widow, Nora Canales, and daughters Zelestial and Miroslava were presented with a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Canales’ military service, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the All-Star Music Awards recognizing his massive contributions to Tejano music and culture.
“Gracias, first of all, my heart goes to you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Nora said tearfully on the red carpet. “Johnny wanted to build that bridge — whether for veterans, music, or artists — by loving everybody. Muchísimas gracias for loving him then, and for loving him now that he’s no longer with us, but still in our hearts.”
Nora Canales Speaks Before ‘Take It Away’ Documentary Premiere at CineFestival San Antonio.
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The documentary, well-received by the audience, paints a vivid portrait of Canales’ life — from his humble beginnings to his rise as a charismatic host who helped launch countless Tejano careers. Through vintage footage, emotional interviews, and heartfelt memories, Take It Away celebrates the man behind the iconic phrase, “You got it, take it away!”
Shelly Lares, one of the many stars who appeared on The Johnny Canales Show during her youth, reflected on his legacy: “Because of him, I have to give him a lot of the credit for the success that we had throughout the ’90s and beyond. He never said no to anyone and always made it fun. Nobody has done what Johnny has done — and I don’t know if anyone ever will.”
After watching the film, Lares praised the filmmakers, saying, “Beautiful job on the film. It brought back so many amazing memories. I love that they touched on how Tejano blends so many styles — rock, country, pop — which we’re finally seeing accepted in today’s music.”
Jennifer Peña, another artist who got her early start on Canales’ show, echoed similar sentiments. “It was a beautiful film — Johnny’s smile, his jokes, the way he made everyone feel equal and needed. That’s something I’ll always remember. He made me feel like I belonged when I didn’t feel like I fit anywhere else.”
Jennifer Peña Discusses Johnny Canales Documentary
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The film also reflects on the challenges and cultural shifts that shaped Tejano music’s rise and its place in today’s evolving soundscape. As Lares humorously recalled, “A lot of people saw what we looked like for the first time on his show — no social media back then — just big hair and a lot of heart!”
Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood is expected to continue its festival run with hopes of landing on a global streaming platform soon, ensuring Johnny Canales’ story — and his monumental role in Tejano music history — reaches audiences worldwide.
Nora Canales and daughters with ‘Take It Away’ co-director Adrian Arredondo. | Photo: Armando Barraza / Tejano Nation
For now, the film stands as a moving reminder of Canales’ impact — not just as a host, but as a connector, mentor, and champion of culture whose influence continues to resonate across generations.
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