The official trailer for Take It Away – The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood, a powerful new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of the iconic Johnny Canales, was released today (April 24). The highly anticipated film is set to make its world premiere this weekend at the Dallas International Film Festival.
Directed by Adrian Arredondo and Myrna Perez and executive produced by Texas Monthly and Trojan Horse Media, Take It Away takes audiences on an emotional and eye-opening journey through the life of the man often called the “Mexican-American Dick Clark.” For decades, The Johnny Canales Show was a cultural phenomenon, beaming the best of Tejano and Regional Mexican music into millions of homes — and introducing the world to future superstars like Selena.
Packed with rare archival footage and heartfelt interviews, the documentary pulls back the curtain on the show’s behind-the-scenes energy and star-making magic. Legends such as Selena, Ramon Ayala, Bobby Pulido, Intocable, Michael Salgado, La Mafia, and Sunny Ozuna are among the many voices featured, sharing untold stories and memories from their time on the show.
The film doesn’t just look back — it connects Canales’ influence to today’s chart-topping artists like Peso Pluma and Grupo Frontera, proving that Tejano never disappeared, it evolved. Take It Away captures over three decades of broadcast history, spotlighting how one man’s vision gave an entire musical movement its moment on the national stage.
Following its Dallas premiere, the film will make stops at major festivals, including Cine Las Americas International Film Festival in Austin next month, CineFestival San Antonio in July, and the Berlin Indie Film Festival later this year.
For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, Take It Away offers more than nostalgia — it’s a long-overdue tribute to a true trailblazer. With his signature phrase, “You got it, take it away,” Johnny Canales invited a generation to sing, dance, and dream — and now, his story is finally being told.
Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.
BMI Champions Women in Música Mexicana With Third ‘Las Compositoras+’ Songwriting Camp
The four-day Los Angeles retreat, led by acclaimed singer-songwriter Erika Vidrio, brought together eight female songwriters to collaborate on new music and create opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated industry
Di Marie Returns With Heartfelt New Single ‘Tú y Yo,’ a Song About Love and Second Chances
The San Antonio-based Tejano singer begins a new chapter with a deeply personal release written and produced by her brother, David L. Garza
Jay Perez Leads 46th Tejano Music Awards Top 5 Nominees With Five Nominations
Ram Herrera and Stefani Montiel follow with four nominations each, while David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Lucky Joe and Siggno earn three apiece ahead of “The Biggest Night in Tejano Music”
Share this:
Discover more from Tejano Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
0 comments on “Trailer for Johnny Canales Documentary ‘Take It Away’ Premieres Ahead of World Debut”