Menudo (group) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Menudo
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Menudo ca. 1981. (top) Miguel, Johnny and Xavier, (bottom) René and Ricky
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| Origin | Puerto Rico |
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| Associated acts | MDO |
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Menudo was a super popular Puerto Rican boy band. The name "Menudo" means "little" in Spanish. It can also mean "loose change" in Puerto Rico. This famous group was started in 1977 by a producer named Edgardo Díaz.
Menudo quickly became one of the biggest Latin boy bands ever. They released their first album in 1977. The band became very successful, especially in the 1980s. They sold about 20 million records around the world! Many people think they are the most iconic Latin pop music band in history.
The group also had many hit songs on the radio. Their fame led them to star in a TV film called Leyenda de Amor in 1979. They also made two feature films: Una aventura llamada Menudo and Menudo: La Película. Plus, they acted in a telenovela (a type of TV soap opera) called "Quiero Ser." They also appeared in a TV mini-series named Panchito y Arturo.
Menudo was a starting point for some very famous singers. For example, Ricky Martin was a member from 1984 to 1989. Draco Rosa was also in the band from 1984 to 1987. Both became huge stars after their time in Menudo.
Contents
The Story of Menudo
How Menudo Started
The first members of Menudo were very young. The original group had two sets of brothers. There were Fernando and Nefty Sallaberry, who were 12 and 13 years old. They were from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Fernando was actually born in Spain.
The other brothers were the Melendez family: Carlos Meléndez (12), Óscar Meléndez (11), and Ricky Meléndez (9). These three brothers were cousins of the band's creator, Edgardo Díaz.
Menudo's Big Success
The band had a "golden era" when they were super popular. During this time, the lineup included Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Xavier Serbiá, Charlie Massó, and Ray Reyes. These members helped Menudo become a global sensation.
The group was known for its catchy songs and energetic performances. They toured all over the world, gaining fans everywhere. Their music helped define Latin pop for a whole generation.
Famous Members and Later Years
Menudo continued to change members over the years. This was part of their unique style. Many young talents joined the group, gaining experience before moving on to solo careers.
The group officially stopped performing in 2009. However, they made a short comeback in 2015. Then, in 2019, some of the classic members reunited. Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, and Ray Reyes came back for a special tour called "Súbete a Mi Moto Tour." This brought back many memories for their fans!
Images for kids
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The Menudo lineup from 2007–2009. From left to right: José Bordonada Collazo, Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), Emmanuel Vélez Pagan, Carlos Olivero, Chris Moy.
See also
In Spanish: Menudo (banda) para niños
