Johnny Canales (1942–2024), Tejano singer and TV host

Johnny Canales was a Mexican Tejano singer and popular television show host who helped launch the career of singer Selena.

Sixto Rodriguez (1942–2023), 'Searching for Sugar Man' musician

Sixto Rodriguez was an internationally recognized Detroit musician best known in the United States for being featured in the Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.” 

Rebecca Jones (1957–2023), Mexican telenovela star

Rebecca Jones was a Mexican actress known for starring in telenovelas.

Emilio Delgado (1940–2022), Luis on “Sesame Street” 

Emilio Delgado was best known for his role as the Fix-It-Shop owner Luis on the children’s television series “Sesame Street.”  

Famous Hispanic Americans

During Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year, we remember and celebrate the contributions of Latinx Americans in a broad range of fields, from the arts to science, education and politics. These Latino and Latina Americans were pioneers and trendsetters, and they remain inspirations to anyone who aspires to achieve greatness.

Rudolfo Anaya (1937–2020), “godfather” of Chicano literature

Rudolfo Anaya was called the “godfather” of Chicano literature. He was best known for hisnovel, “Bless Me, Ultima.”

Manuel Donley (1927–2020), “The Godfather of Tejano music”

Manuel “Cowboy” Donley was a Tejano music legend called “The Godfather of Tejano Music.” 

Jorge Santana (1951–2020), guitarist for Malo and Carlos Santana’s brother

Jorge Santana was the guitarist for Malo, who had a 1972 hit with “Suavecito.” He was also the younger brother of Carlos Santana.

Chuy Bravo (1956–2019), “Chelsea Lately” sidekick

Chuy Bravo was an actor best known as Chelsea Handler’s sidekick on the talk show “Chelsea Lately” from 2007 to 2014.

José José (1948–2019), Mexico’s “Prince of Song”

José José was a Mexican singer known as “The Prince of Song” and beloved for romantic ballads including “El Triste” and “Amar y Querer.”

Celebrating Day of the Dead (video)

2017 may be remembered as the year that the Day of the Dead finally reached broad popular awareness as a holiday celebrated widely across the United States.

Joaquin Avila (1948–2018), prominent Hispanic civil rights lawyer

SEATTLE (AP) — Civil rights lawyer Joaquin Avila, who fought discrimination in classrooms, workplaces and voting booths as a leader of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, has died. He was 69.

James Luna (1950 - 2018), Native American performance artist

James Luna, highly regarded Native American performance artist, died Sunday, March 4, 2018, of a heart attack in New Orleans, according to Indian Country Today. He was 68.

Anthony Quinn's Greatest Roles

Anthony Quinn made over 100 films during his career and was the first Mexican-American to win an Oscar. On Cinco de Mayo, we look back on some of his greatest roles.

Rosie Hamlin (1945–2017), Angel Baby singer

Songwriter Rosie Hamlin composed and sang the classic song "Angel Baby."

Juan Gabriel (1950 - 2016), legendary Mexican singer

Juan Gabriel, a legendary Mexican singer, died Aug. 28, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 66.

Helen Chávez (1928–2016), United Farm Workers of America activist

Helen Chávez, the widow of longtime United Farm Workers of America leader Cesar Chávez, died June 6 of natural causes in Bakersfield, California, according to multiple news reports. She was 88.

Emilio Navaira (1962 - 2016), King of Tejano Music

Emilio Navaira, the American-born, Grammy-winning singer known as the King of Tejano Music, died Monday of a heart attack, according to multiple news sources. He was 53. Navaira, who charted nearly a dozen singles on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart, over the course of his career, was found unconscious at his house, police in New Braunfels, Texas, said. His greatest country hit was 1995’s “It’s Not the End of the World," which rose as high as No. 27. His song “Por Siempre Unidos” made the top 10 the following year, peaking at No. 7 on Latin Pop Airplay.

Tonita Castro (1953–2016), sitcom co-star on Dads

Tonita Castro, a Mexican-born actress known best for her co-star roles on the TV sitcoms “Dads” and “Go On,” died May 8 of stomach cancer, according to multiple news sources. She was 63.

The Best of Ritchie Valens

Rock and roll star Ritchie Valens , alongside and the , on a cold early morning that came to be known as "The Day the Music Died."