Ricky Meléndez


Ricky Meléndez is a Puerto Rican singer, lawyer and actor. He was raised in Guaynabo. He became a member of Menudo at the age of nine. He was one of the original five in the group. He is the cousin of group founder Edgardo Díaz. As a member of Menudo, he acted in two films: and Una Aventura Llamada Menudo. He was a member of the band through most of the band's golden era.
Meléndez retired from Menudo in 1984 at the mandatory age of 16, but since he had started at age nine, he became the band member with the longest tenure at eight years. He gave up his place to Ricky Martin. His final concert with Menudo was in Caguas.
Once Meléndez left Menudo, he tried various business ventures, including a shop at Plaza Las Americas in San Juan, and became a lawyer. In 1998, he got together with former bandmates Rene Farrait, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes, Charlie Masso and Miguel Cancel to make a comeback tour under the name of El Reencuentro. They toured the world.
Meléndez was the voice responsible for Menudo super hits "Y Yo No Bailo" and "Cámbiale Las Pilas".
Meléndez now lives in San Juan with his wife and children and practices corporate and real estate law at Pietrantoni Mendez & Alvarez LLC.
Meléndez also attended the University of Central Florida where he took several broadcasting classes.

Personal life

Melendez is married to Miriam "Muñeca" Calderín. He has one son and one daughter.
His brothers, Carlos and Oscar, are also former members of Menudo.