Menudo (group)

This article is about the Latin American boy band. For the Mexican soup, see Menudo (soup). For the Philippine stew, see Menudo (stew).

Menudo
300x200px Menudo c. 1981. (top) Miguel, Johnny and Xavier, (bottom) René and Ricky
Background information
Origin	San Juan, Puerto Rico
Genres	Latin freestyle dance pop rock
Years active	1977–1997 2007–2019–present
Labels	RCA Sony Universal
Associated acts	MDO
Past members	Nefty Sallaberry Carlos Meléndez Ricky Meléndez Fernando Sallaberry Óscar Meléndez Johnny Lozada René Farrait Miguel Cancel Xavier Serbia Charlie Masso Ray Reyes (deceased) Roy Rossello Robby Rosa Ricky Martin Raymond Acevedo Sergio Blass Ruben Gomez Rawy Torres Robert Avellanet Angelo Garcia Ralphy Rodriguez César Abreu Adrián Olivares Jonathan Montenegro Edward Aguilera Ashley Ruiz Alexis Grullón Andy Blázquez Abel Talamántez Ricky Lopez Anthony Galindo (deceased) Didier Hernandez Daniel René Weider José Bordonada Collazo Jose Montañez (Monti) now (Che Antonio) Emmanuel Vélez Pagán Chris Moy Carlito Olivero

Menudo is a Puerto Rican boy band which was formed in San Juan, Puerto Rico by producer Edgardo Díaz. Referred to as the "Most Iconic Latino Pop Music Band", Menudo has been ranked as one of the Biggest Boy Bands of All Time by several publications, including Billboard, Us Weekly, Seventeen, and Teen Vogue, being the only Latin band on their lists.

The band had several radio hits during its course. They acted in one television film (1979's Leyenda de Amor) and two feature films - Una aventura llamada Menudo and Menudo: La Película - as well as a telenovela named "Quiero Ser" and a television mini-series named Panchito y Arturo.

Menudo's original line-up consisted of two sets of brothers: Fernando and Nefty Sallaberry (12 and 13); and the Melendez brothers, Carlos Meléndez, (12), Óscar Meléndez, (11), and Ricky Meléndez, (9); the latter three are Diaz's cousins. The band's golden-era lineup consisted of members Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Xavier Serbiá, Charlie Masso and Ray Reyes. It was also a starting point for popular international stars like Ricky Martin (1984–89) and Draco Rosa (1984–87), who were members in the mid-1980s.

As the group entered the 1990s, and their popularity started to wane, allegations of drug use and sexual abuse accusations against Díaz started to surface. In 1997, the rights and the name Menudo were sold. The remaining members continued to perform as MDO until their official disbandment in 2002. However, this iteration has continued to perform sporadically since. New management of Menudo formed a new line-up in 2007, releasing an EP but disbanding in 2009. Some of the members of the "golden era" of the band reunited in 1998 under the name El Reencuentro and in 2019 for the "Súbete a Mi Moto Tour".

History

The beginning and rise to fame

Menudo was formed in 1977 by Edgardo Díaz. The original line up consisted of 5 members, the Sallaberry brothers, Fernando and Nefty, and Diaz's cousins, the Melendez brothers, Oscar, Carlos, and Ricky. They were signed to Padosa Records and released their first album Los Fantasmas in 1977. It featured Enséñame a cantar, a song by Spanish singer Micky. In 1978 they released another album called Laura. Fifteen year old Nefty was the very first member to leave and was replaced by 12 year old René Farrait. In 1979, they released an album that called Chiquitita. At the end of 1979, Carlos left the band at age 15 and was replaced by 12 year old Johnny Lozada, after which they made their first Christmas album, Felicidades.

In the early 1980s, Menudo had several hits, including "Los Fantasmas" and a cover version of ABBA's "Voulez-Vous". They filmed three music videos for the song "Chiquitita", including one with Puerto Rican music star Ednita Nazario (who sang with them and played the titular "Chiquitita" on the video). The group then released several moderately successful albums, including Fuego (Fire), which yielded hits "Ella A-A" ("Her"), "Fuego" ("Fire"), and "A Bailar" ("To Dance"). They also made "Fui Hecho Para Amarte", which itself was also a cover, in that song's case of KISS's '"I Was Made For Lovin' You", but that song was not included in "Fuego", being released on their "Xanadu" album instead. During 1981, the group, which by then consisted of René Farrait, 14, Johnny Lozada, 13, Xavier Serbiá, 13, Miguel Cancel, 13, and remaining original member Ricky Melendez, 13, released Quiero Ser (I Want to Be). The album would launch Menudo into international stardom. It included hit songs such as "Quiero Ser" ("I Want to Be"), "Súbete A Mi Moto" ("Get on My Motorcycle"), "Rock En La TV" ("Rock on TV"), "Claridad" ("Clarity"), and "Mi Banda Toca Rock" ("My Band Plays Rock"). They also had their own telenovela series entitled Quiero Ser.

That same year, the group hosted a television show on Telemundo entitled Gente Joven de Menudo. They also hosted a yearly beauty pageant, La chica joven de Menudo, ("Menudo's young girl"). The winner of the pageant would sometimes appear in the group's videos or join them onstage at their concerts in the United States.

Menudo became very popular throughout Latin America, from Mexico to Argentina, including Brazil. They also became the first boy band to own their own private jet. Manager Diaz purchased a Lockheed JetStar that had belonged to American President Richard Nixon and the Shah of Iran. He had Menudo's name emblazoned on both sides of the fuselage.

In 1982, Charlie Masso, then 12, replaced René Farrait, 15. Masso's first album with Menudo was Por Amor (For Love). During this boom of popularity, fans started calling themselves contagious to the "Menuditis", similar to Beatlemania and Bieber Fever, or the "Menudomania". They were so popular that they starred in their own feature films: Menudo: La Pelicula and Una Aventura Llamada Menudo. Aventura starred Gladys Rodríguez as "Señora Mía" and included songs such as "Clara" and "A Volar" ("Fly").

During their first visit to New York in early 1983, Ray Reyes, 13, replaced Xavier Serbiá, 15. Their American fanbase grew, especially among the young, as evidenced by Menudo on ABC, a series of four minute music spots that aired during the Fall 1983 season of ABC's youth-oriented Saturday-morning programming block. They also sang the theme song for ABC's Rubik, the Amazing Cube. Miguel Cancel became the first member to voluntarily quit the group. According to a 1998 interview, he was unhappy that a sudden voice change rendered him unable to sing his songs, so he opted to leave before his scheduled departure. He was replaced by Roy Rosselló, 13. Menudo signed a six-year multimillion-dollar contract with RCA International and released their Spanish album A Todo Rock (Full of Rock).

Around this time, Menudo merchandise began being mass-produced. Merchandise included Menudo dolls, which appeared in the United States and Latin American toy markets in 1984, Menudo Topps trading cards, wristwatches, fotonovelas, fanzines, T-shirts, a 1981 board game named "Menudo Karshow" and other clothing accessories and school supplies.

In 1984, Robby Rosa (now known as Draco Rosa), 14, replaced Johnny Lozada, 16, just in time for Menudo to release their first English-language album, Reaching Out, which featured the theme track "Like a Cannonball" for the Hollywood movie Cannonball Run 2; and their first Portuguese album, Mania, both featuring versions of some of their Spanish hits. During the first half of 1984, Menudo toured the U.S. and Brazil. The Spanish version "Como Cannonball" was used in the Filipino youth movie Bagets 2 and also featured the song "Fly Away".

On September 16, 1984, Ricky Melendez, 16, the sole remaining original member, left the group in a huge concert in Menudo. Up until then, he was the only Menudo member to remain with the group for seven years. He was replaced by the group's most popular alumnus, Ricky Martin, then 12, who debuted on the album, Evolución (Evolution). During this time, Menudo's popularity reached parts of Asia including Japan and the Philippines, and the group made English-language commercials for Pepsi, Scope, Burger King, McDonald's, and Crest. They also made a guest appearance on the popular American children's program Sesame Street. Then, much to the surprise of fans and himself, Ray Reyes, 15, for due to internal conflicts between Ray's father and the manager, his departure is early. Information recently confirmed by his brother Raúl Reyes.. In a 1998 interview, Reyes stated he was caught off-guard, during a Menudo interview in 1985, the interviewer asked who was next to leave the group and Edgardo Díaz named Ray, considering that Charlie was the oldest and had been in the group the longest. The group also had a weekly television show called "Menudo Mania".

Raymond Acevedo 13 took over Reyes' spot in 1985 and Menudo sang vocals for the Spanish-English song "Cantare, Cantaras" (I Will Sing, You Will Sing) with various Latin artists to raise money for UNICEF. This song was the Latin American version of "We Are the World". "Cantare, Cantaras" was recorded on April 9, 1985, at the A&M Studios. The group released their second English-language album, Menudo which contains the songs "Hold Me" (#62 Billboard Hot 100, RCA 14087) and "Explosion", both with lead vocals by Robi Rosa. They also released their next Spanish album, Ayer Y Hoy (Yesterday And Today), and their second Portuguese album A Festa Vai Comecar (The Party Is Going To Start). They successfully toured Brazil, performing before hundreds of thousands of fans, but there were allegations of the tour being poorly organized: the capacity for a concert in Rio de Janeiro was 60,000 but 70,000 tickets were sold, and 2 women died. In São Paulo, a 100,000-capacity stadium was sold-out with 200,000 people, and in the São Paulo city of Campinas, rain delayed a concert for 4 hours. The film Mixed Blood featured scenes in which Menudo was indirectly showcased, such as one with a Menudo poster on a wall and one where characters shopped at a "Menudomania" store.

In 1986, the song King Holiday was recorded. Later in the year Roy Rosselló 16 was replaced by Sergio Blass 13; no farewell concerts were held. Sergio had been in 2 Puerto Rican groups before he joined Menudo, The first being Concepto Juvenil from 1983 to 1985, and then Los Chicos de Puerto Rico, for a few months in 1985. The group released several albums that year, starting with their only Italian album, Viva! Bravo!, which they showcased in Italy in the San Remo Music Festival. The Spanish album Refrescante (Refreshing), the English album Can't Get Enough, and the Portuguese album Menudo followed respectively, then came tours of the U.S., Latin America (including Brazil), and the Philippines.

Internal conflicts and image change

In January 1987, Ralphy Rodriguez 13 replaced Charlie 17 just as the group began facing internal conflicts. First, Robby 17 quit without warning in the middle of a Brazilian tour, becoming the third member to quit voluntarily. Apparently, he had written a song and presented the idea to management and they turned him down, supposedly mocking him, which prompted him to leave. Robbie's lawyer prevented them from using his song. Also, the group was dropped from RCA International due to low record sales, so they signed a contract with Melody International Mexico. Charlie was asked to return to the group to complete the Brazilian tour and to embark on the Summer in the Street U.S. tour and introduce new member Rubén Gómez 14.

At this point, the group underwent a complete image makeover, changing their look to a rougher, more rugged, rock-like look. Ralphy, Ruben, Ricky Martin, Sérgio e Raymond: this formation became known as Los Hijos Del Rock. Their music, formerly described as bubblegum-pop, underwent a similar change. They released the Spanish album Somos Los Hijos del Rock (We Are The Sons Of Rock), followed by an English-Tagalog album for the Philippines titled In Action with Ralphy and Rubén. In late 1987, Ralphy's parents pulled him from the group, citing improper treatment by management; this eventually came to light in 1991 with accusations of a Menudo sex scandal. Charlie was again asked to fill in during the Philippines tour, which would be their last as their popularity there waned.

In early 1988, Angelo García 12 replaced Ralphy Rodríguez 14 and they released their final English-language album, Sons of Rock, scoring an international hit, "You Got Potential". Another song, "TLC", featured lead vocals by Ricky Martin. In August 1988, Raymond Acevedo's contract was about to expire, but he decided to leave before auditions were held for his replacement, and Menudo performed as a quartet for a few months before Robert Avellanet 13 took over. The album Sombras Y Figuras was released at the end of the year.

During 1989, long time member Ricky Martin, 17 left the group to pursue a solo career. Rawy Torres, 13 years old, replaced him and the formation Los Ultimos Heroes was born and they released the album Los Ultimos Heroes. This formation was a huge success.

1990s

Despite their newfound success, the group kept facing problems: At age 14 during a concert in Caracas, Venezuela, Angelo García left the stage because of the pain of appendicitis; he was replaced by César Abreu, 13, who only lasted 7 months. Like Sergio, Abreu was in Concepto Juvenil, from 1989 to early 1990. They released another Portuguese album, Os Tltimos Herois.

Before Abreu left, management was preparing for Sergio's departure and the debut of the first non-Puerto Rican member, Adrián Olivares 13 of Mexico, but Abreu's exit delayed Sergio's departure. Management decided to keep Sergio for another Spanish album, No Me Corten El Pelo (Don't Cut My Hair) featuring the Sergio/Rubén/Robert/Rawy/Adrián lineup.

Members of the last generation of Menudo, were arrested at Miami International Airport, Sergio Blass and Ruben Gomez, ages 18 and 16, after a dog sniffing found marijuana in its pocket. It would have been acquired in Mexico while touring with Menudo.

In 1990, two new non-Puerto Rican members joined the group: Edward Aguilera,12, of Spain replaced Sergio Blass, 17, (thus becoming the second European-after Fernando Salaberry-to be a member of the band) and Jonathan Montenegro 12 of Venezuela replaced Rubén Gómez 16.

At the end of 1990, with the resignation of Ruben Gomez and Sérgio Blass and the entry of the two new members, a new controversy arises: four of its members, Jonathan Montenegro, Edward Aguilera, Rawy Torres and Robert Avellanet resign from Menudo, alleging abuse and mistreatment. This lineup lasted very little, from December '90 to April '91, and they didn't go on tour and didn't record any albums.

Adrian Olivares was the only one who remained in the group. According to information, he was the mentor of the resignation idea, however, the only one who still remained in the group. In an interview, in 2020, he explained that he stayed, because without consent and without knowing, his mother accepted the financial deal that the businessman offered and signed the contract. There was nothing left to do, he was a minor and remained in the group.

Edgardo Díaz left Puerto Rico and held auditions in Miami, Florida, signing Miami teens Alexis Grullón 13, Ashley Ruiz 15, and Andy Blázquez 12, and Pecos, Texas resident Abel Talamántez 13. This formation became known as the A-Team, because all the members started their name with the letter A.

The first album with the new lineup was Detrás De Tu Mirada, which was very successful in the whole continent, especially in Peru. From then on, the Peruvian fanbase was the most important one.

Menudo continued to work, releasing an English single titled Dancin', Movin', Shakin', and a follow-up in 1993, Cosmopolitan Girl, the first of several English albums on McGillis Records. They also continued to travel through Latin America.

In March 1992, Menudo filmed in New York City "The Making of Dancin, Movin, Shakin" for Darrin McGillis Productions. In August 2012, the film was released for free viewing on YouTube.

In 1992, they released 15 Años (15 Years), which would be Adrián's last album with the band (he decided to leave in 1993). According to his words in a recent interview, he fled to Miami without anyone seeing and left the group without speaking to the administration. He was missing for 3 days, until he decided to let them know that he would not come back. Ricky López 13 replaced Adrián 16 and the group released their 5th Portuguese album Vem Pra Mim (Come To Me) (1993), and their 22nd Spanish album, Imaginate... (Imagine) (1994).

In 1995, Ricky López 15 quit the group without warning, and again the band performed as a quartet for a few months. Ashley 19 had also decided to leave, so auditions were held and Didier Hernández 16 and Anthony Galindo 1979-2020 were chosen. Ashley's farewell concert was in Panama, where the new members were presented.

In 1996 the group released their last Spanish album under the Menudo name, Tiempo De Amar (Time To Love). The album was very successful, producing several hit singles. In 1997, the rights and the name Menudo were sold and the band changed the name to MDO, at the time Andy Blázquez 18 was replaced by Daniel René Weider. A self-titled Spanish album was released, increasing the group's popularity in Latin America and the U.S. MDO has continued to release albums despite some changes in management (see main article: MDO.)

El Reencuentro

In 1998 Ricky Meléndez, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes, and Charlie Massó re-joined to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their success in Latin America, North America, Spain, and several other countries in the world. They planned the reunion concert to take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York, as an experimental project. The show sold out so quickly and the demands for more shows was so huge they had to change the venue for a bigger one. They ended up doing the shows at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. They had an unexpected success and performed as an ensemble throughout North and Latin America until August 2015, when the group disbanded due to financial issues. They named this El Reencuentro because they couldn't use the "Menudo" name.

2000s

In 2000, MDO released their album Subir Al Cielo with critical success. The album lead track "Te Quise Olvidar" topped the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks for several weeks. The group follow-up singles "Sin Ti" and "Me Huele A Soledad" also went top 10 in the U.S., showing that they are a real group.

In 2002, former members Sergio, Rubén, Robert, Angelo and Rawy reunited under the name "Los Últimos Héroes" giving numerous concerts in Venezuela.

In early 2003, MDO officially broke up on amicable terms. The members wanted to pursue other projects. Edgardo Diaz introduced the new MDO in January 2005.

In 2004, Edgardo Diaz announced that he would be bringing a new group with the Menudo formula into the music industry. Initially expecting this new group to be named Menudo, he surprised the press and general public by naming them Tick Tock.

Also in 2004, former Menudo members Roy, Raymond, Rubén, Sergio and Andy reunited under the name and banner: Menudo: La Reunion. They were based and focused primarily on a series of 'Brazilian' tours. Sergio left due to his prior commitment with "Los Últimos Héroes", and was replaced with Anthony Galindo. Andy would later be replaced by former MDO member Caleb Avilés before disbanding in late 2005, early 2006.

In January 2005, producer Edgardo Díaz introduced the new MDO with four new members: Daniel Rodríguez, Luis Montes, Elliot Suro, and Lorenzo Duarte. The first three were among the contestants of Puerto Rican reality/talent show Objetivo Fama. This latest incarnation of the group achieved great success with their single "Otra Vez" which took them all across Latin America.

Also, in 2005, former Menudo members René, Johnny, Miguel, Ricky, Charlie, and Ray reunited once again to perform the songs that Menudo popularized during their era under the name and banner El Reencuentro: Momento del Adios making this their farewell tour. There were plans to bring this production to Latin American and the U.S. Also in 2005, Sergio, Angelo, Robert, Rawy and Adrián reunited again under the name Los Últimos Héroes after their successful reunion concerts in 2002.

In 2006, former Menudo: La Reunion members, Anthony and Rubén reunited and formed the duo Blacksheep and continued touring in Brazil. The duo grew a large fan base in both Brazil and Hispanic America.

In 2007, a re-release of the 1992 VHS film of Menudo The making of Dancin', Movin', Shakin'" was released on McGillis Records. Entitled Triple Threat DVD/CD Combo, the box set included the Film on DVD for the first time, along with two music CDs, Latin Teen Stars and Dance Music All Night Long, featuring hit songs by Menudo, ex-Menudo members. The single, "Dancin', Movin', Shakin'", and "Cosmopolitan Girl" was released digitally on iTunes in May 2009.

2007–2009 lineup

File:Menudo 2007.jpg

2007–2009 lineup. L-to-R: José Bordonada Collazo, Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), Emmanuel Vélez Pagan, Carlos Olivero, Chris Moy

In 2007, it was announced that Menudo would return after signing a multi-album contract with Sony Music. That would be directed by Johnny Wright, he was the manager of Justin Timberlake and the new band music will be a fusion of urban, pop and rock in both English and Spanish. They began promoting the project in cities of the United States and Mexico to attract young singers who wanted to belong to a new band that would sing in Spanish and English. Auditions in different cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York, among others. In the Dallas audition, radio announcer Daniel Luna and singer Luis Fonsi were part of the selection jury. where they were selected JC Gonzalez and Monti Montañez (Che Antonio). In New York, they took 25 boys and during this one-week mini-competency they chose 15: Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), JC Gonzalez, Carlos Pena, Jr., Anthony, Carlos Olivero, Chris Moy, Dennis, Eric, Hansel, Henry, Jorge Gabriel, Jorge Negron, José Bordonada, Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), Thomas and Trevor. The 15 semifinalists met in South Beach, Florida to continue preparing with producer Johnny Wright, choreograph Anibal Marrero and voice coach David Coury, participating through a reality show showing the entire process of competition. The re-founding of the band was profiled in a MTV reality series entitled Making Menudo that had launched as a primetime series on October 25, 2007, but was later pushed to afternoons due to low ratings. The series aired ten episodes, ending on November 20, 2007.

The members chosen in this version were: Jose Bordonada Collazo, Chris Moy, Emmanuel Vélez Pagán, Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), and Carlos Olivero. In December, a few weeks after the members of the group were chosen, their More Than Words EP was released, including four songs: "More Than Words (A E I O U)," "Mas Que Amor (A E I O U)," "Move," and "This Christmas." Their first album was scheduled for release in autumn of 2008.

In 2009 they had a video in two versions titled: "Lost", in which the American actress, model and singer of the American descent, Victoria Justice, appeared, which attracted much attention of the public towards the video. The group disbanded in early 2009.

2015-present

After having internal band problems, El Reencuentro disbanded in 2015 with Charlie Massó threatening to take legal action with Johnny Lozada, who at the time had the financial and managerial control of the project.

During 2016, four members of El Reencuentro René Farrait, Charlie Massó, Ray Reyes, Miguel Cancel and joined by Robert Avellanet went back on tour, this time under the name Menudo. However the project disbanded quickly and continued with the Menudomania Forever Tour produced by In Miami Productions formed by other Menudo and MDO members from different eras, including Avellanet, Jonathan Montenegro and Rawy Torres.

In 2019, Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, Miguel Cancel, Ray Reyes and René Farrait, reunited once again for the "Súbete a Mi Moto Tour" that kicked off at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and included dates in Latin America. It was later informed that Robert Avellanet was replacing Miguel Cancel for the remainder of the tour that is on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September 2020, former Menudo and MDO member Anthony Galindo was found unconscious after attempting suicide. He died days later after remaining hospitalized and became the first Menudo member to pass away. His family described the singer's deep depression from the prolonged shutdown of various entertainment performance venues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. His organs were donated in accordance with his last wish. Longtime member Ray Reyes died April 30, 2021, of a massive heart attack in Newark, New Jersey at 51. The group will finish its last time of the "Súbete A Mi Moto Tour" with members Ricky Meléndez, René Farrait, Johnny Lozada and Miguel Cancel.

Band members

The following lists past Menudo members. Edgardo Díaz's group had a long list of members because the boys had to leave after turning a certain age, usually 16 years old.

Members	Ages in the group	Years in the group	Status	Replaced by	Notes
Nefty Sallaberry	13–15	1977–79	Retired	René Farrait
Carlos Meléndez	12–15	1977–80	Retired	Johnny Lozada	Brother of Oscar & Ricky and cousin of Edgardo Diaz
Fernando Sallaberry	12–15	1977–80	Retired	Xavier Serbia	Born in Spain
Óscar Meléndez	11–15	1977–81	Retired	Miguel Cancel	Brother of Carlos & Ricky and cousin of Edgardo Diaz
Ricky Meléndez	9–16	1977–84	Active	Ricky Martin	Brother of Carlos & Oscar and cousin of Edgardo Diaz
René Farrait	12–15	1979–82	Active	Charlie Masso
Johnny Lozada	12–16	1980–84	Active	Robi Rosa
Xavier Serbia	12–15	1980–83	Retired	Ray Reyes	Financial analyst on CNN en Español
Miguel Cancel	13–15	1981–83	Active	Roy Rossello	Born in U.S.A (first American-born member)
Charlie Massó	12–17	1982–87	Retired	Ralphy Rodríguez
Ray Reyes	13–15	1983–85	Deceased	Raymond Acevedo	Grew too tall (born in U.S.A)
Roy Rosselló	13–16	1983–86	Quit	Sergio Blass
Robby Rosa	14–17	1984–87	Quit	Rubén Gómez	Born in U.S.A
Ricky Martin	12–17	1984–89	Retired	Rawy Torres
Raymond Acevedo Kercado	13–16	1985–88	Quit	Robert Avellanet
Sergio Gonzalez Ojeda (Sergio Blass)	13–17	1986–90	Expelled	Jonathan Montenegro	Born in U.S.A
Ralphy Rodríguez	13–14	1987–88	Quit	Angelo García
Rubén Gómez Kane	13–16	1987–90	Expelled	Edward Aguilera	Born in U.S.A
Angelo García	12–14	1988–90	Quit	César Abreu	Born in U.S.A
Robert Avellanet	13–16	1988–91	Quit	Alexis Grullón
Rawy Torres	14–16	1989–91	Quit	Ashley Ruiz
César Abreu	13	1990	Quit	Adrián Olivares
Adrián Olivares	13–16	1990–93	Quit	Ricky López	Born in Mexico.
Edward Aguilera	15–16	1990–91	Quit	Andy Blázquez
Jonathan Montenegro	12–13	1990–91	Quit	Abel Talamántez	Born in Venezuela.
Alexis Grullón	13–23	1991–2001	Retired	Member until disbandment	Born in U.S.A (first member of Dominican descent)
Ashley Ruiz	15–19	1991–95	Quit	Didier Hernández	Born in U.S.A (first member of a Cuban descent)
Andy Blázquez	12–18	1991–97	Quit	Daniel René Weider
Abel Talamántez	13–24	1991–2002	Retired	Last member before disbandment	First Mexican - American.
Ricky López	13–15	1993–95	Retired	Anthony Galindo	Nicknamed 'Ricky III'.
Anthony Galindo	16 - 21	1995–2000	Deceased	Member until disbandment	Born in Venezuela.
Didier Hernández	16–22	1995–2001	Retired	Member until disbandment	Born in Cuba.
Daniel René Weider	14–15	1997–98	Quit	--	Born in Venezuela.
José Bordonada Collazo	15–17	2007–09	Quit	Member until disbandment
José Montañez "Monti Montanez" now (Che Antonio)	18–20	2007–09	Retired	Member until disbandment
Chris Moy		2007–09	Quit	Member until disbandment
Carlito Olivero	18–20	2007–09	Retired	Member until disbandment
Emmanuel Vélez Pagán		2007–09	Quit	Member until disbandment

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications

Title	Details	Chart positions			Sales
		US
		200	Latin	Latin Pop
Los Fantasmas	Released: 1977 Label: Padosa, Inc. Formats: LP, Cassette, CD	—	—	—	United States: 6,000
Laura	Released: 1978 Label: Padosa, Inc. Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Chiquitita	Released: July 1, 1979 Label: Padosa, Inc. Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Felicidades	Released: 1979 Label: Padosa, Inc. Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Más, Mucho Más	Released: 1980 Label: Padosa, Inc. Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Es Navidad	Released: 1980 Label: Colibrí Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Fuego	Released: 1980 Label: Colibrí Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Xanadu	Released: 1981 Label: Interdisc Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Quiero Ser	Released: 1981 Label: Colibrí Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Por Amor	Released: 1982 Label: Raff Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Una aventura llamada Menudo	Released: 1982 Label: Raff Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
A Todo Rock	Released: 1983 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—	World: 1,000,000
Reaching Out	Released: 1984 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	108	—	—	Brazil: 425,000
Mania	Released: 1984 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—	Brazil: 1,200,000
Evolución	Released: August 25, 1984 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—	Brazil: 700,000
Menudo	Released: 1985 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	100	—	19
Ayer y Hoy / A Festa Vai Começar	Released: 1985 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	19
Viva! Bravo!	Released: 1986 Label: Globo Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Refrescante	Released: 1986 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Can't Get Enough	Released: 1986 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Somos Los Hijos del Rock	Released: 1987 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
In Action	Released: 1987 Label: RCA Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Sons of Rock	Released: 1988 Label: Blue Dog Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Sombras & Figuras	Released: 1988 Label: Sonografica Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	16
Los últimos héroes	Released: April 18, 1989 Label: Sonografica Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Menudo: Edicion Brasil	Released: 1990 Label: RCA Victor Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
No Me Corten El Pelo	Released: 1990 Label: Sonografica Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Detras de tu Mirada	Released: 1991 Label: Talento Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
Dancin', Movin', Shakin'	Released: 1991 Label: McGillis Records Formats: LP, cassette	—	—	—
15 Años	Released: 1992 Label: Philips Formats: LP, cassette, CD	—	—	—
Vem Pra Mim	Released: 1993 Label: Philips Formats: LP, cassette, CD	—	—	—
Imagínate	Released: 1994 Label: Talento Formats: LP, cassette, CD	—	—	—
Tiempo de Amar	Released: February 13, 1996 Label: Música Futura Formats: CD	—	—	—
Let's Talk About Love	Released: 2009 Label: Formats: CD	—	—	—

Live albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications

Title	Details	Chart positions
		US
		200	Latin	Latin Pop
El Reencuentro: 15 Años Después	Released: 1998 Label: Fonovisa Formats: CD	—	7	—

Compilation albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications

Title	Details	Chart positions
		MEX	US
			200	Latin	Latin Pop
Adios Miguel	Released: 1983 Label: RCA Victor Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
Menudo De Colección	Released: 1983 Label: Raff Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
Súper Exitos de Menudo	Released: 1983 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
Con Amor: Tue Exitos Favoritos	Released: 1984 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
15 Exitos	Released: 1984 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
16 Greatest Hits	Released: 1984 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
The Best of Menudo	Released: 1986 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
La Colección	Released: 1990 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
La Decada	Released: 1990 Label: RCA Formats: LP, Cassette	—	—	—	—
15 años de Historia	Released: 1998 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	41	—
Colección Original	Released: 1998 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Lo Mejor de Lo Mejor	Released: 1999 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Menudo mix 1	Released: 1999 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Menudo mix 2	Released: 1999 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Menudo mix Enamorados del Amor	Released: 1999 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Serie Plantino	Released: 2000 Label: RCA, BMG U.S. Latin Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Teen Riot featuring Hold Me	Released: 2000 Label: RCA Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
La Historia	Released: 2007 Label: RCA Formats: CD	16	190	10	4
La Historia De Menudo - Grandes Exitos	Released: 2007 Label: Sony BMG Music Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Mis Favoritas	Released: 2007 Label: Sony Music Formats: CD	—	—	—	—
Enchanted Island	Released: 2011 Label: McGillis Records Formats: CD	—	—	—	—

Films and television

• Unknown date 300 Millones
• 1977 El Show de Tommy
• 1977 Menudo – En Concierto
• 1978 Noche de Gala
• 1979-mid 1980s La Gente Joven de Menudo
• 1981 Menudo: La Pelicula
• 1981 Quiero Ser (telenovela)
• 1980s Menudo Mania
• 1982 Es por Amor (Venezuelan Mini Soap Opera)
• 1982 Una Aventura Llamada Menudo
• 1983 Menudo on ABC
• 1983 Silver Spoons (TV Series)
• 1984 Sesame Street (TV Series)
• 1985 The Love Boat (TV Series)
• 1985 Solid Gold
• 1986 Menudo Video Explosion
• 1986 Por Siempre Amigos
• 1990 Los ultimos heroes (mini series)
• 1992 The Making of Dancin Movin Shakin on YouTube McGillis Records
• 2007 Making Menudo (TV Series)
• 2022 Menudo: Forever Young (Documentary Series)

Other appearances

• 1982 A Ritmo Menudo with Karla Maria
• 1983 Contigo Xavier with Karla Maria
• 1986 King Holiday
• 1989 Nueva Navidad
• 1990 Optimismo

Singles

Single	Year	US Hot 100	US Latin	US R&B
"A Volar"	1982	—	—	—
"Sabes A Chocolate"	1984	—	—	—
"Si Tú No Estás"/"If You're Not Here (By My Side)"	1984	102	—	36
"Não Se Reprima"	1984	—	—	—
"Like A Cannonball"	1984	—	—	—
"Motorcycle Dreamer"	1984	—	—	—
"Hold Me"	1985	62	—	61
"Please Be Good To Me"	1985	104	—	—
"Viva! Bravo!"	1985	—	—	—
"Explosion"	1985	—	—	—
"Come Home"	1985	—	—	—
"Besame"	1986	—	21	—
"Baci Al Cioccolato"	1986	—	—	—
"Diga Sim"	1986	—	—	—
"A Cara O Cruz"	1987	–	42	—
"Te Vere A Las Tres"	1987	—	45	—
"You Got Potential"	1988	—	—	—
"Historia Del Primer Amor"	1988	—	34	—
"Besame En La Playa"	1991	—	26	—
"Dancin, Movin, Shakin"	1992	—	—	—
"Juras De Amor"	1993	—	—	—
"Cosmopolitan Girl"	1993	—	—	—
"More Than Words (AEIOU)"	2008	—	—	—
"Perdido Sin Ti"/"Lost"	2008	—	—	—

Commercials

Comercial Thom McAn - (1981)

Series and Movies

• 1979 Menudo – Leyenda De Amor – TV movie
• 1981 Menudo: La Pelicula
• 1982 Una Aventura Llamada Menudo
• 1992 The Making of Dancin Movin Shakin on YouTube
• 1987 Novel Por Siempre Amigos
• 1990 Serie Los Ultimos Heroes
• 2020 Serie Subete a Mi Moto

After years of planning and development, on September 17, 2020, it was announced that a TV series about the group titled Súbete A Mi Moto was set to premier on Amazon Prime Video. The series was released on October 9, 2020. The series focused the story from the perspective of Edgardo Díaz, founder and manager of the group.

• 2021: Menudo: Forever Young (Documentary)

In contrast to the “Súbete a Mi Moto” Series, launched in 2020, by the streaming platform, from Amazon Prime, which tells the story of the boy band from the perspective of Edgardo Diaz, the idea arose of producing a material that told the version of the Former members of Menudo.

The documentary, Menudo: Forever Young, directed by Puerto Rican, Angel Miguel Soto, premiered in June 2022 on the platform by HBOMax and revealed alleged cases of bullying, drug scandals, exploitative working conditions, neglect of boys' health, abuse, physical violence, harassment, sexual abuse. and even a rape allegedly experienced by Ângelo Garcia (member from 1988 to 1990) within the band, while he participated in Menudo.

See also

• List of Americans
• List of Menudo members
• MDO
• El Reencuentro

External links

• Billboard.com: Menudo