Complete List Of Menudo Band Members

Menudo burst onto the music scene in 1977, forever changing the landscape of Latin pop music with a revolutionary concept: a boy band with a constant rotation of members. Founded in Puerto Rico by visionary producer Edgardo Díaz, Menudo began as a quintet of young boys who would eventually become one of the most influential Latin music acts in history. Throughout its decades-long existence, the band released over 34 albums and 24 singles, selling an estimated 20 million records worldwide and generating over 300 million US dollars in revenue. The group’s unique concept dictated that members would leave upon reaching a certain age (initially 16, later 18) or when their voices changed significantly, ensuring the band maintained its youthful appeal and sound. This rotation system resulted in more than 30 different members passing through Menudo’s ranks during its active years.

Menudo’s cultural impact extended far beyond just music, with the group starring in films like “Una aventura llamada Menudo” and “Menudo: La Película,” as well as television series such as “Quiero Ser” and “Por Siempre Amigos.” Their international success was unprecedented for a Latin group, creating a phenomenon often referred to as “Menuditis” or “Menudomania” that swept across Latin America, the United States, Spain, and even parts of Asia and Europe. The band was so successful that they became the first boy band to own their private jet, a Lockheed JetStar previously owned by President Richard Nixon and the Shah of Iran. Their merchandise empire included dolls, trading cards, board games, clothing, and school supplies. After various iterations and name changes (including MDO in the late 1990s), the original group disbanded in 2009, though reunion projects like El Reencuentro and the “Súbete a Mi Moto Tour” have kept the Menudo legacy alive for generations of fans.

Ricky Meléndez

Ricky Meléndez, born November 22, 1967, holds the distinction of being one of the founding members of Menudo and the only original member to remain with the group until reaching the maximum age limit. As the youngest of the Meléndez brothers, he joined Menudo at just 9 years old alongside his siblings Carlos and Oscar, as well as Fernando and Nefty Sallaberry. Ricky’s tenure in the band lasted an impressive seven years, from 1977 to 1984, making him the longest-serving member of the original lineup. His departure in September 1984 at age 16 marked the end of an era, as he was the last original member to leave the group.

During his time with Menudo, Ricky contributed to numerous albums including the band’s debut “Los Fantasmas” (1977), “Laura” (1978), “Chiquitita” (1979), “Felicidades” (1979), “Más, Mucho Más” (1980), “Fuego” (1981), “Quiero Ser” (1981), “Por Amor” (1982), “A Todo Rock” (1983), and several others. He also appeared in the group’s films “Menudo: La Película” (1981) and “Una Aventura Llamada Menudo” (1982). After leaving Menudo, Ricky initially moved away from music to pursue business and even became a lawyer. However, his passion for singing eventually drew him back to the spotlight.

In 1998, Ricky joined the successful Menudo reunion project “El Reencuentro” alongside other former members from the golden era. In more recent years, he has participated in the “Súbete a Mi Moto Tour” with Johnny Lozada and Miguel Cancel, continuing to perform the classic hits that made Menudo a cultural phenomenon. Unlike some former members who have been outspoken about negative experiences in the band, Ricky has generally spoken positively about his time in Menudo and has embraced his role in the group’s legacy, actively participating in reunion tours and special events that celebrate their musical impact.

Johnny Lozada

Johnny Lozada, born December 21, 1967, joined Menudo in late 1979 at the age of 13, replacing Carlos Meléndez. His youthful charisma and vocal talents quickly made him a fan favorite during what would become known as Menudo’s “golden era.” Johnny remained with the group until 1984 when, at the age of 16, he was replaced by Robi “Draco” Rosa in accordance with the band’s age policy. During his tenure with Menudo, Johnny contributed to several of the group’s most successful albums, including “Fuego” (1981), “Quiero Ser” (1981), “Por Amor” (1982), and “A Todo Rock” (1983).

Johnny’s time with Menudo coincided with the band’s international breakthrough, participating in the tours that took them throughout Latin America, the United States, and even parts of Europe and Asia. After leaving Menudo in 1984, Johnny launched a brief solo career before forming the group Proyecto M in 1987 with former Menudo members René Farrait and Xavier Serbiá. Beyond music, Johnny expanded his career into acting and television, appearing in several telenovelas and eventually becoming a host for Univision’s popular morning show “Despierta América.”

In 1998, Johnny joined the successful reunion project “El Reencuentro” with other former Menudo members from the golden era. His entertainment career continued to flourish, and in 2013, he won the fourth season of Univision’s dance competition “Mira Quién Baila,” later returning as a judge for the show. More recently, Johnny has participated in the “Súbete a Mi Moto Tour” alongside other Menudo alumni, continuing to celebrate the band’s legacy. Despite the controversial HBO Max documentary “Menudo: Forever Young” which highlighted darker aspects of the band’s history, Johnny has maintained that Menudo brought joy to Latin America and has generally spoken positively about his experience in the group.

René Farrait

René Farrait was born on October 15, 1967, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and joined Menudo in 1979 at the age of 12 as a replacement for the departing Nefty Sallaberry, becoming the first new member to enter the rotating lineup. His four-year tenure with the group from 1979 to 1982 positioned him as a key figure during Menudo’s rise to international stardom. René appeared on several important albums including “Chiquitita” (1979), “Felicidades” (1979), “Más, Mucho Más” (1980), “Fuego” (1981), and “Quiero Ser” (1981), the album that launched Menudo to unprecedented fame with hits like “Súbete A Mi Moto” and “Claridad.”

After leaving Menudo in 1982 at age 14, René ventured into the Brazilian market with a solo album titled “Minha Música.” In 1987, he reunited with fellow Menudo alumni Johnny Lozada and Xavier Serbiá to form Proyecto M, with whom he recorded four albums during the late 1980s and early 1990s. René also explored acting, expanding his artistic repertoire beyond music. In 1998, he enthusiastically joined the reunion project “El Reencuentro,” bringing the magic of Menudo back to longtime fans with a more mature musical approach.

In more recent years, René has participated in television programs such as “La Voz Senior Perú” on Latina Televisión and continued performing with various Menudo reunion projects, including the “Súbete a Mi Moto Tour.” In 2022, he announced he was working on his own documentary about Menudo, suggesting that despite the controversies surrounding the band, he values the opportunity to share his perspective on this important chapter of Latin music history. René has reflected on his time in Menudo with a mix of nostalgia and wisdom, acknowledging that as a young performer he didn’t fully appreciate the extraordinary experience but now embraces it with maturity.

Miguel Cancel

Miguel Cancel, born July 4, 1969, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, joined Menudo in 1981 at the age of 13 as part of what would become known as the group’s golden era lineup. His time with Menudo was relatively brief but significant, spanning from 1981 to 1983. Unlike most members who left upon reaching the age limit, Miguel made the unusual decision to voluntarily exit the group at age 15, becoming the first member to quit Menudo before his scheduled departure. According to interviews, his decision stemmed from his voice changing, which made it difficult for him to sing his assigned parts, along with a desire to return to a more normal teenage life.

During his tenure with Menudo, Miguel performed on key albums including “Quiero Ser” (1981), “Por Amor” (1982), and the early recordings of “A Todo Rock” (1983). He participated in the international tours that established Menudo as a global phenomenon, experiencing firsthand the intense fan adoration that characterized “Menudomania” across Latin America and beyond. After leaving the group, Miguel initially stepped away from the entertainment industry to enjoy a more typical adolescence, a decision that set him apart from many former members who immediately pursued solo careers.

Years later, Miguel returned to the spotlight by joining the successful reunion project “El Reencuentro” in 1998, reconnecting with other former members from Menudo’s most celebrated era. He has since participated in various reunion concerts and tours, including the recent “Súbete a Mi Moto Tour” alongside Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, and René Farrait. Despite the intense scrutiny and demanding schedule that characterized his time in Menudo, Miguel has maintained positive relationships with his former bandmates and has embraced his role in the group’s enduring legacy, continuing to perform their classic hits for multiple generations of fans.

Charlie Massó

Charlie Massó, often credited as Charlie Masso, was born on March 4, 1971, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and joined Menudo in 1982 at the age of 12 as a replacement for René Farrait. His time with the group coincided with their international popularity surge, and he remained a member until 1986. During his four-year tenure, Charlie contributed to several significant albums including “Por Amor” (1982), “A Todo Rock” (1983), “Reaching Out” (1984) – the group’s first English-language album, and “Mania” (1984) – their first Portuguese release. His departure from the group at age 16 was in keeping with Menudo’s policy of rotating members once they reached a certain age.

Charlie’s voice and charisma were showcased on several Menudo hits, and he participated in the group’s extensive touring schedule, which took them across Latin America, the United States, Brazil, and various other countries. He experienced the height of “Menudomania,” performing in front of massive crowds and dealing with the intense fan adoration that characterized the group’s golden era. After his time in Menudo, Charlie pursued a solo career and, like several other former members, eventually joined the reunion project “El Reencuentro” in 1998.

In more recent years, Charlie has continued to be active in the music industry and has participated in various Menudo reunion tours and projects. In 2016, he was part of a tour using the Menudo name alongside René Farrait, Ray Reyes, Miguel Cancel, and Robert Avellanet, though this project was short-lived. Charlie also helped launch EME6, a new generation of Menudo formed in 2017 with six young performers who had participated in a Colombian musical reality show. Despite some internal disputes with Johnny Lozada over El Reencuentro’s financial and management matters around 2015, Charlie has remained connected to the Menudo legacy and continues to celebrate the music that made the group a cultural phenomenon.

Ray Reyes

Ray Reyes, born March 13, 1970, in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, joined Menudo in early 1983 at the age of 13, replacing Xavier Serbiá. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence quickly made him a fan favorite during what many consider Menudo’s peak years of international fame. Ray remained with the group until 1985, contributing to several important albums including “A Todo Rock” (1983), “Reaching Out” (1984), and “Mania” (1984), the band’s first English and Portuguese language releases respectively.

During his tenure with Menudo, Ray participated in the group’s extensive international touring, including their breakthrough performances in the United States, Brazil, and across Latin America. He experienced the height of “Menudomania,” with fans swarming airports, hotels, and concert venues to catch a glimpse of the group. Ray was part of Menudo’s appearance on the popular TV show “The Love Boat” in 1985, further expanding their reach to American audiences. At one point during 1985, when Charlie Massó fell ill with mononucleosis during the New York shows of their Pepsi-sponsored tour, Ray temporarily returned to perform with the group after having already departed.

After leaving Menudo, Ray pursued a solo career before eventually joining the successful reunion project “El Reencuentro” in 1998 alongside other former members from the golden era. He continued to participate in various Menudo reunion tours and projects over the years, maintaining his connection to the group’s legacy. Sadly, Ray Reyes passed away on April 30, 2021, at the age of 51 from a heart attack at his childhood home in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, becoming the second former Menudo member to pass away after Anthony Galindo. His death was mourned by fans worldwide and his former bandmates, who remembered him for his exceptional vocal talent and the joy he brought to audiences during Menudo’s most successful years.

Ricky Martin

Enrique “Ricky” Martin Morales, born December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, joined Menudo in 1984 at the age of 12 after several previous audition attempts. While not part of what’s often considered the band’s “peak” era, Ricky’s five-year tenure from 1984 to 1989 was one of the longest in the group’s history, and he would eventually become its most internationally recognized alumnus. During his time with Menudo, Ricky performed on several albums including “Evolución” (1984), “Menudo” (1985), “Ayer Y Hoy” (1985), “Refrescante” (1986), “Somos Los Hijos del Rock” (1987), “Sons of Rock” (1988), and “Sombras Y Figuras” (1988).

Ricky’s Menudo years saw the group transitioning towards a more rock-oriented sound while continuing their international tours across Latin America, the United States, and parts of Asia. He experienced both the benefits and challenges of fame at a young age, including grueling tour schedules and intense public scrutiny. After leaving Menudo in 1989 at age 18, Ricky launched a solo career that would eventually catapult him to global superstardom. His early solo albums in Spanish gained him recognition throughout Latin America, but it was his 1999 crossover hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca” that truly made him an international phenomenon.

Since his Menudo days, Ricky has released numerous successful albums in both Spanish and English, won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, and established himself as one of the most successful Latin artists in history. Beyond music, he has pursued acting, appearing on Broadway and in various television shows. In his personal life, Ricky came out as gay in 2010 and has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He is the father of four children: twins Matteo and Valentino, Lucía, and Renn. While Ricky has occasionally referenced his time in Menudo in interviews, he has largely forged his own distinct identity as an artist, though his collaboration with former bandmate Draco Rosa on several hit songs, including “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” represents a meaningful connection to his boyband roots.

Draco Rosa

Robert “Robi” Draco Rosa, born June 27, 1969, in Long Island, New York to Puerto Rican parents, joined Menudo in 1984 at the age of 14 as a replacement for Johnny Lozada. Initially performing under the name Robby Rosa, he quickly established himself as one of the group’s strongest vocalists and most distinctive personalities. Draco remained with Menudo until 1987, performing on albums such as “Reaching Out” (1984), “Menudo” (1985), “Ayer Y Hoy” (1985), “Refrescante” (1986), and “Somos Los Hijos del Rock” (1987). His tenure coincided with Menudo’s first serious push into the English-language market and their evolution toward a more rock-oriented sound.

During his time with Menudo, Draco toured extensively throughout Latin America, the United States, and parts of Asia, experiencing the intense fan adoration that characterized “Menudomania.” In a 1985 interview, he recalled a particularly chaotic scene in Brazil where fans had broken through security and swarmed the tarmac, forcing the airport to close. According to Draco, this type of frenzied reception eventually contributed to his desire to leave the group, as he grew uncomfortable with the “pop, idolatry, the whole massive-appeal thing.”

After leaving Menudo, Draco reinvented himself as a solo artist and songwriter, adopting the name “Draco” to distance himself from his boyband past. His solo work took a dramatically different direction from Menudo’s pop sound, embracing darker, more complex musical styles. His 1990s albums like “Frío” (1994) and “Vagabundo” (1996) established him as a pioneer of Spanish-language alternative rock, featuring electric guitars, surreal lyrics, and experimental production. While building his solo career, Draco also became a prolific songwriter for other artists, most notably co-writing several of Ricky Martin’s biggest hits, including “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “She Bangs,” and “The Cup of Life.” In 2013, after battling cancer, Draco released “Vida,” a collection of duets featuring Latin music stars like Martin, Shakira, and Juanes. His most recent work, “Sound Healing” (2022), explores using natural sounds as healing instruments, reflecting his ongoing artistic evolution and interest in mysticism. Draco now lives on his farm in Utuado, Puerto Rico, where he grows organic produce while continuing to create music that pushes boundaries.

Xavier Serbiá

Xavier Serbiá, born March 10, 1968, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, joined Menudo in 1980 at the age of 13, replacing Fernando Sallaberry. His three-year tenure with the group from 1980 to 1983 placed him squarely within what many consider Menudo’s “golden era,” during which the band achieved unprecedented international success. Xavier performed on several key albums including “Más, Mucho Más” (1980), “Fuego” (1981), “Quiero Ser” (1981), and “Por Amor” (1982), contributing to hits like “Súbete A Mi Moto,” “Claridad,” and “Mi Banda Toca Rock” that would define Menudo’s legacy.

During his time with the group, Xavier experienced the explosion of “Menudomania” throughout Latin America, participating in the tours and television appearances that established Menudo as a cultural phenomenon. He left the group in early 1983 at age 14, replaced by Ray Reyes in accordance with Menudo’s policy of rotating members. After his departure from Menudo, Xavier maintained connections to the music industry but eventually found his true calling in financial journalism and education. In 1987, he briefly reunited with fellow Menudo alumni Johnny Lozada and René Farrait to form Proyecto M.

Xavier has built a successful career as a financial expert and television personality, serving as a host for CNN en Español’s financial programs and authoring books on personal finance, including “Mochila Financiera” (Financial Backpack). He has largely moved away from the entertainment aspects of his early career, focusing instead on educating Spanish-speaking audiences about economic matters. Unlike some former members who have regularly participated in reunion concerts and tours, Xavier has generally maintained a professional path separate from his Menudo past, though he has occasionally reconnected with former bandmates for special events celebrating the group’s musical legacy.

Roy Rosselló

Roy Rosselló, born April 16, 1969, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, joined Menudo in 1983 at the age of 13 as a replacement for Miguel Cancel, who had made the unusual decision to leave the group before reaching the age limit. Roy’s tenure with Menudo lasted until 1986, placing him in the lineup during a transitional period as the group expanded internationally and began releasing English and Portuguese-language material. During his time with the band, Roy performed on albums including “A Todo Rock” (1983), “Reaching Out” (1984), “Menudo” (1985), “Ayer Y Hoy” (1985), and “Refrescante” (1986).

Roy’s energetic stage presence and distinctive look made him popular with fans during Menudo’s intense touring schedule across Latin America, the United States, and Brazil. He experienced the height of “Menudomania,” with dedicated fans following the group’s every move and often creating chaotic scenes at public appearances. Roy left the group in 1986 at age 16, replaced by Sergio Blass in keeping with Menudo’s age rotation policy. After leaving Menudo, Roy attempted to maintain a career in the entertainment industry, though without achieving the same level of success as during his boyband days.

In more recent years, Roy has made headlines for coming forward with serious allegations against Menudo’s creator and manager, Edgardo Díaz. In the 2022 HBO documentary “Menudo: Forever Young,” Roy was among several former members who alleged experiencing sexual abuse during his time with the group. He has also appeared on television programs to discuss these claims, becoming one of the most vocal critics of the behind-the-scenes reality of Menudo. Unlike many other former members who have participated in reunion projects celebrating the group’s musical legacy, Roy has taken a more critical stance regarding his Menudo experience, focusing on raising awareness about the darker aspects of child stardom and the alleged abuses within the entertainment industry.

Recent Developments

The Menudo legacy continues to evolve even decades after the original group’s heyday. In 2007, new management formed a fresh lineup under the Menudo name, though this iteration disbanded by 2009. Various reunion projects have kept the music alive, including “El Reencuentro” in 1998, which featured Ricky Meléndez, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes, and Charlie Massó performing updated versions of classic Menudo hits. More recently, the “Súbete a Mi Moto Tour” in 2019 brought together several members of the golden era once again, though this tour was later affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent passing of Ray Reyes in 2021.

In 2022, a new chapter began when actor Mario Lopez partnered with Menudo Productions to launch “Menudo: A New Beginning,” a search for a new generation of performers to carry on the Menudo name. After online and in-person auditions, the new lineup was revealed in March 2023 on ABC’s Good Morning America, where they debuted their first single, “Mi Amore.” This reboot aims to introduce the Menudo concept to a new generation while honoring the group’s historic impact on Latin music and pop culture.

The Menudo story has also been told through various media projects. In 2020, Amazon Prime Video released “Súbete a Mi Moto,” a biographical series chronicling the band’s history. In 2022, HBO Max released the documentary “Menudo: Forever Young,” which took a more critical approach, featuring testimonials from former members about the darker aspects of their experiences, including allegations of abuse and exploitation. These contrasting narratives reflect the complex legacy of a group that brought joy to millions of fans worldwide while reportedly harboring troubling behind-the-scenes realities for some of its young performers.