Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years — 1988

Photo above, Ricky, right, with Raymond Acevedo, Sergio Gonzalez, Angelo Garcia and Ruben Gomez on the set of the “You Got Potential” video in 1988. Photos by Bolivar Arellano for Menuditis

In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were no longer teens and interested in the latest news and photos of Ricky Martin. We also added updates on former members of Menudo. One feature I loved was a section where I wrote articles about Ricky’s time in Menudo and the early days of his career. I decided to take those flashback articles, edit them and add anything new I’ve learned over the years. In this post, we take a look at the year 1987. Click on the year to read past articles about 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987. 

At the beginning of 1988, Menudo traveled and performed as a foursome. The group was still searching for someone with potential to replace Ralphy Rodriguez, who left Menudo at the end of 1987. 

The group toured Central America and then began recording an English album. They had released an album in English called “Menudo in Action” in the Philippines, but they wanted something new, and the album also contained Ralphy’s vocals.

In the spring of 1988, the new Menudo was introduced — Angelo Garcia. Soon, the group embarked on a concert tour that included Mexico, Puerto Rico and many of the states. Angelo wasn’t quite ready yet to perform fully, so he sang and danced toward the back of the stage during the tour.

Raymond Acevedo decided to leave the group in 1988, and as a result, Menudo was a foursome again. During many of their shows, only Ricky, Sergio and Ruben would perform, as Angelo was still learning some of the routines. However, at the end of each show, Angelo let everyone know he had what it took to be a Menudo as he sang the group’s new signature song, “You Got Potential.”

The song was from the group’s 1988 album, “Sons of Rock,” which was Menudo’s third English-language album to be released in the states. On the album, Ricky sang the upbeat songs “TLC” and “Say Why.”

The summer of 1988 brought the group’s La Chica Joven de Menudo Pageant to New York for the first time. The contest had previously only taken place in Puerto Rico, allowing fans to compete for the coveted crown and prizes. Of course, the biggest prize was the winner meeting their favorite group. New York’s La Chica Joven de Menudo was Xaviera Rodriguez, who most recently appeared in the HBO Max series, “Menudo — Forever Young.”

Soon after the United States tour, the group was back with Robert Avellanet, their newest member. Menudo performed a few shows in Chicago, San Antonio, Dallas and San Francisco, where they performed with dance music artists, the Cover Girls, TKA, Naiyobe and Safire. At an autograph session in a mall in San Antonio, Menudo’s presence caused such hysteria that the group had to be removed from the activity.

As 1988 came to a close, Menudo was once again a group of five, following the original formula. However, the year ahead would mark the beginning of a new era in Ricky’s life.

Remembering 9/11 victims

Nearly a quarter of a century later, the horrific memories of Sept. 11, 2001, remain.

The fear of that day was one I had never felt before. Watching the news and hearing how innocent people went to work in the morning and didn’t make it home that night, because of terrorist attacks, left me shivering. That night, I remember hearing thunder, and I thought, “This is it.”

However, that day wasn’t it. America still stands today, and every 9/11, as well as the days in between, it’s important to remember those we lost. I was one of the fortunate who didn’t lose anyone close to me. However, among the victims were two of my former classmates, John Tipping and Joseph Perroncino. While I may not have known my former classmates well, I keep their names close to my heart.

Both Joseph and John were members of Hauppauge High School’s Class of 1986 on Long Island. As a shy girl, I didn’t talk to many people, especially boys, so unfortunately I don’t have too many stories to share.

Still, I remember seeing Joseph in the halls of Hauppauge’s middle and high schools, even though I don’t think he was in any of my classes. John and I attended Forest Brook Elementary School together, as well as the same middle and high schools. For me, he will always be that boy with a twinkle in his eyes. He always looked like he was full of life.

Since 2001, the Class of ’86 has had our 20th and 30th reunions, and next year we will celebrate our 40th. John and Joseph should have had the opportunity to attend all of them.

John, a firefighter with Manhattan’s Ladder Company 4, and Joseph, who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald, should be here today, posting life updates on Facebook, looking forward to their reunions, and most of all, enjoying life with their friends and families.

As I type this blog post, I am experiencing a whirlwind of feelings. At the same time, I know I will never come close to imagining what the family members of the victims have gone through.

Most of the time when I write or talk about 9/11 and my former classmates, I mention a dream I had, one that brought me comfort. I was standing with someone in the dream, and I saw John Tipping. I mentioned to the other person that John was a New York City firefighter, and I said something to the effect that we had to be respectful of him. John turned to me and said, “Rita, thanks, it’s okay.” I woke up with the dream fresh in my head, and the first thing I thought was that John said, “It’s okay.”

Whenever I have dreams such as this one, I want to believe it with every fiber of my being. I hope they all are more than okay, and I pray that their loved ones have found some comfort and peace in knowing that they will never be forgotten.

That Six-Year Old

Once upon a time, I wrote this for a newsletter for Ricky Martin fans. When I started this blog, I titled it “Rita’s Rambling Road” to write whatever I felt like. I thought if I didn’t pigeonhole myself with one topic, I would have more opportunities to share my thoughts and even share some older writings.

Unfortunately, despite being able to write about anything here, I’ve been busy and haven’t had many opportunities to do so. I came across this personal essay I took from that old newsletter and posted on Facebook several years ago. Now, I wanted to share it here.

I sometimes forget the young woman who wrote this.  I’m glad I recently found this in my Facebook memories feed.

************************************************************************************************

I wrote this up today.  Nothing too original. We have all heard these ideas before, but do we really believe them. If our life is headed in a direction that makes us happy and excited, then we probably do. If not, maybe we should take some time out to think like a six-year-old.

I still remember reading the question in the “Book of Questions”: If you had lunch with your six-year-old self today, what would she say about your life. Well, the question went something to that effect. So it’s funny when Ricky Martin references his six-year-old self in interviews, and even funnier when Disney does a movie on the concept.  “You mean I grow up to be a loser,” the little boy yells. Man, I always thought that was what my six-year-old self would say.  In other words, why didn’t I think of that movie? Oh well, I guess I’m not a screenwriter.

Ok, so, did you ever think what it would be like to meet your six-year-old self and tell her about your life? What would your mini-self say? Would she be happy, or would she be really upset with you? I’m not talking about how she feels after you try to explain to her that things happen in life. (Even then, she will probably still be upset with you.) I mean, her initial reaction when she hears what happened in her life. What would your mini-self, who has no concept of the limitations of time, energy and money (whether these truly affect our goals or not), say? If you think she would be a little upset, don’t even pull out the laundry lists of “I would have done this, but …” throw it out. Mini-self doesn’t want to hear it. She wants to be all she can be and has issues with you right now. Major issues!!!

So, now that you’ve thrown your list of excuses away (not enough time, energy, money, “that’s what people my age do,” or well that’s what my parents wanted, etc), now it’s time to think like a six-year-old. Come on; dig deep into YOUR mind, YOUR heart and YOUR soul. Think back to when you thought you would live forever and YOUR options were limitless. Think like you have an unlimited amount of time, energy and money. Dream. What are your dreams? What are your goals? Do you even remember, or are they buried underneath what your family wanted for you, what your friends thought you should do, and what society expected of you? Come on, YOUR goals and YOUR dreams are there. No one can take them away because they are YOURS. Come on dig! You can do it. Now, sit back, relax, take a deep breath, and dream.  Let YOUR dreams, YOUR goals stream through YOUR mind, heart and soul. Don’t listen to anyone else’s voice but your own. 

Ok, now that you have a stream of dreams and goals, write them down. Ok, now make a list in whatever way you make a list. Maybe you want to categorize your dreams and goals into how important each one is to you.  Whatever. Just do it. Then, break each goal and dream into steps. Steps that will enable you to accomplish YOUR goals, YOUR dreams. Each day, look at this list to find at least one step you can take to move in the direction you want to in your life. Hopefully a more content, more satisfied, more fulfilling life.  Now, you’re probably saying, “But when I was six I wanted to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.” Hey, I didn’t say have the dreams you had when you were six. I just said to think like a six-year-old. With that “I can be anything I want to be” attitude, we may have forgotten. However, if you have a dream from your childhood that still sticks in your head, go for it. If you wanted to be a ballerina, take some dance classes. If you wanted to marry Donny Osmond, write him a letter. Just do something.

Of course, as adults, we realize that sometimes the best-laid plans of mice and men tend to go astray. But just because you can’t obtain a goal or dream by plan A, doesn’t mean that plan B or C or D won’t work. As long as you’re on the right path, you’re headed in the right direction. I don’t know who said it, but I read somewhere that you have to dream like you are going to live forever and live each day as your last. That’s the most important thing to remember when trying to obtain your dreams and goals. Dream big, reach for the stars, but remember there are no guarantees in life. You don’t know when you will take your last breath. Most likely you will have the time to achieve all that you want to and more, but don’t take that for granted. Wasting the time we have here on earth is like wasting food. So, keep on dreaming! Keep on moving along YOUR path of life! Soon, you will find your six-year-old self and your current self as happy people. 

As for my six-year-old self, well, she thinks we have a lot to work on, but we’re ready, willing and able!  And that, of course, is the first step!

Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years – 1987

The writer and Ricky Martin in Puerto Rico, January 1987.

In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were no longer teens and interested in the latest news and photos of Ricky Martin. We also added updates on former members of Menudo. One feature I loved was a section where I wrote articles about Ricky’s time in Menudo and the early days of his career. I decided to take those flashback articles, edit them and add anything new I’ve learned over the years. In this post, we take a look at the year 1987. Click here to read about 1984 when Menudo fans were introduced to Little Ricky and click here to go back to 1985. Want to go back to 1986, click here.

As the year 1986 came to an end and 1987 began, Menudo spent the holiday season in Puerto Rico with their families. After performing in Charlie Rivera Masso’s farewell concert on Three Kings Day, the group headed back to Argentina to finish filming the soap opera “Por siempre amigos,” (“Friends Forever”).

The soap opera began broadcasting on many Spanish-language television stations in the Americas. The story revolved around the friendship of five schoolboys played by the members of Menudo. Ricky’s character was a poor boy whose mother worked for the family of Sergio’s character.

At the end of April, when filming was completed, the novela was receiving good reviews. The group performed concerts in Brazil, Panama and Puerto Rico. Due to Robby’s (Draco) sudden departure from the group, Charlie temporarily returned to Menudo to fill the void. When Ruben Gomez became the newest Menudo, Charlie continued traveling with the group as a special guest star in their “Summer in the Streets” concert tour.

Ricky with fan Mara Havis in Chicago, Illinois, December 1987

The group started their tour with a press conference at New York City’s Hard Rock Cafe. It would be “Summer in the Streets” for a dozen and a half states. The tour was such a great success that a video was sold of the group’s experiences while on the road.

After the states, the group and Charlie performed in Mexico. Menudo then traveled to the Philippines for promotions. While in this country, they joined Leia Salonga in filming the video “That Situation.” The song told young people about the benefits of waiting to have sex.

The group’s comprehensive tour was followed by Menudo putting the finishing touches on their album, “Somos los hijos del rock” (“We Are the Sons of Rock”). On the album, Ricky sang the upbeat songs “Amame ahora, no manana,” (“Love Me Now, Not Tomorrow”) and “Dame mas” (Give Me More”).

In November of 1987, Menudo celebrated its tenth anniversary. Many fans made the pilgrimage to Puerto Rico for the event, and the group members participated in meet-and-greets with their fans.

At the end of 1987, the group experienced another sudden change when Ralphy Rodriguez decided to leave the group prematurely. The group traveled to the Philippines as a quartet for the concerts they had promised in the fall.

Just around the corner was 1988, the group would soon have a new member, and Menudo would prove they still had potential.

Reflecting on My Irish Heritage

Above, my grandparents, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland, with my father, right, and. my uncles.

When I think about my Irish heritage, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, I am reminded of just how fortunate I am.
As a second-generation Irish American on my father’s side, it’s not lost on me what my grandparents must have sacrificed when they left their homes, families and country behind them. This realization is despite my never hearing their stories. My grandfather passed away before I was born, and I was going on six when my grandmother died. My maternal grandmother, who was also of Irish descent, always told me that my father’s mother didn’t like talking about Ireland. So, even if she lived longer, I may still not know much.
I only know a few pieces of information. My grandparents didn’t meet until they came to America. After arriving in the United States, my grandfather joined the Army as a cook in World War I. My grandmother traveled to the country with a cousin. She would become a housekeeper, and my grandfather eventually found work as a hotel elevator operator.
Like most Irish immigrants, they were looking for economic opportunities that didn’t exist in their homeland and a better life for themselves and their future family.
While I may not know all they sacrificed, when I was in Rhode Island in the fall of 2023, what they and other Irish Americans did to attempt to achieve the American Dream was driven home for me.
I visited the Museum of Newport Irish History during that trip. Despite being a small museum, I was there with my husband and my mother for nearly two hours with our knowledgeable tour guides. Not only did we learn about the Irish who once worked at the Newport Mansions, who would spend their Sundays at church and then at the now-landmark Forty Steps near the beach, but we also received an overall history of Irish Americans’ contributions to our country.
What struck me most was the history of Irish immigrants who helped build our country’s canals. According to a display at the museum, tens of thousands of immigrants from Ireland helped build more than 40,000 miles of waterways in the United States from 1790 to 1855. In addition to facing discrimination, backbreaking work and overall horrible working conditions, Irish immigrants, like many others from various countries, were poorly compensated for their work.
As I left the museum, the story of the men working on the canals left me teary-eyed. Imagine leaving your homeland with the hope of a better life, and once you arrive in the country, even though you weren’t sure if you would ever see those better days, continuing because you had faith that one day at least your children may be able to enjoy an easier and better life.
While most humans work hard and make sacrifices to a certain extent, most of us will never know just how much our ancestors gave up for us. Irish Americans like me are among those who are here today due to the hard work and sacrifices of immigrants.
Even though my grandparents may not have worked in the mansions in Rhode Island or on any canals, I am grateful for all the Irish who did as well as similar jobs. Somehow, they sent word back home that there were opportunities in the United States, and people like my grandparents kept coming.
If my grandparents could see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they would be proud. They would find their hard work and sacrifices were worth it. We may not always realize it, but we live the American Dream they once sought when they crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

For more information on the Museum of Newport Irish History, visit newportirishhistory.org.

Above, Newport, Rhode Island’s Forty Steps

My Connection Between Music and Puerto Rico

One of the waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Photo by Rita J. Egan

Bad Bunny’s newest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”), intertwines today’s Latin rhythms with yesterday’s to create an album that documents the struggles and celebrates the beauty of Puerto Rico.

I don’t live in Puerto Rico, and I’m not Puerto Rican. I also haven’t listened to a lot of Bad Bunny’s music in the past. However, even though I’m not fluent in Spanish enough to understand everything he says, this album fills my heart and soul. Maybe it’s because the traditional rhythms bring back memories.

I visited the island several times when I was younger due to another musical sensation — Menudo. When I discovered the 80s boy band, I never imagined I would travel to Puerto Rico, not just once, but ten times in my lifetime (so far). The first nine were in my late teens and early 20s, but fortunately for me, the tenth time was two months ago.

I still remember my first trip to Puerto Rico. I looked out the hotel’s huge window and saw crystal clear water and light sand. This image has remained in my heart for decades.

During my recent trip, I was able to visit a few of the places I used to go during my younger years. Seeing these places seemed to heal a part of my soul that has been missing something.

While I may not have time for a travel post right now, after listening to Bad Bunny’s new album, I felt a need to write about how grateful I am. I’m thankful that music introduced me to Puerto Rico and that the magical island is still celebrated.

To all the young men who were part of the Menudo lineup, thank you for filling my life with positive music and making me feel that dreams do come true. As someone fortunate to have met many of you throughout the years, thank you for making me feel seen when all I felt was ignored by the boys back home.

Most of all, thank you for introducing me to your island. My memories from my visits to Puerto Rico are endless, and my life is better because of them.

Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years – 1986

Ricky Martin, above, at a pool party in Puerto Rico with Menudo fans in August of 1986. Below, Ricky with fan Mara Havis at Bellas Artes in Puerto Rico after Menudo’s concert on August, 16, 1986. Photo above by Susan Lezcano. Photo below by Marcie Kratz

In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were no longer teens and interested in the latest news and photos of Ricky Martin. We also added updates on former members of Menudo. One feature I loved was a section where I wrote articles about Ricky’s time in Menudo and the early days of his career. With the 40th anniversary of Ricky stepping on stage to be introduced as the newest member of Menudo in July, I decided to take those flashback articles, edit them and add anything new I’ve learned over the years. In this post, we take a look at the year 1986. Click here to read about 1984 when Menudo fans were introduced to Little Ricky and click here to go back to 1985.

As the beginning of 1986 rolled around, Little Ricky was getting taller, and the Menudo world got a little off balance when Roy Rossello left the group unexpectedly.

However, the dust Roy left behind soon began to settle, and fans welcomed Sergio Gonzalez (Sergio Blass), the group’s newest member. (See Peacock’s “Menedez + Menudo Boys Betrayed” for the full story about Roy’s departure from the group.)

The first half of the year was filled with concerts in Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and, of course, Puerto Rico. In the summer of 1986, they also performed a few concerts in the United States.

Highlights in 1986 included the group’s first appearance in Italy’s San Remo Festival and, in the summer, their participation in New York’s iconic Puerto Rican Day Parade. The year 1986 was another successful one for the group.

Their management also tried to project a more mature image by doing away with the satin costumes and incorporating more ballads into their repertoire. A further attempt to mature Menudo’s image was a concert series in Puerto Rico titled “Conciertos del Amor” (Concerts of Love.)

Album-wise, the group released four. At the beginning of the year, their first Italian album was available in Italy, and the Spanish language album “Refrescante” was released that summer. “Con un beso y una flor” and “Yo te quiero mucho” were Ricky’s contributions to this album.

At the end of the year, “Diga Sim,” a Portuguese translation of “Refrescante” was released. Last but not least, “Can’t Get Enough” was available at the end of 1986. “I Can’t Spend Another Day Without You”was the English translation of “Con un beso y una flor.”

In the fall of 1986, the group traveled to Argentina to film 100 episodes of a soap opera, “Por siempre amigos.” Because the soap opera was going to be shown after Charlie’s January 1987 departure, his replacement had to be found for the soap opera. Ralphy Rodriguez was chosen, and he filmed the entire soap with the guys, but Charlie made a guest appearance in 10 episodes.

After the novela tapings, the group prepared for Charlie’s farewell concert. The year 1987 would bring even more changes to Menudo, but that is what the group was always all about.

Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years — 1985

Above, Ricky at Narita Airport, Japan, Oct 1985. Bottom of page, Roy Rossello, Robby (Draco) Rosa, Ricky Martin and Charlie Rivera (Masso) at the 14th Tokyo Music Festival. press conference in 1985. Photos from Toshiko Tsuchiya/Menudo Fan Club Japan. Center photo, Ricky and fan Lisa Karen in New York in 1985. Photo from Lisa Karen.

In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were no longer teens and interested in the latest news and photos of Ricky Martin. We also added updates on former members of Menudo. One feature I loved was a section where I wrote articles about Ricky’s time in Menudo and the early days of his career. With the 40th anniversary of Ricky stepping on stage to be introduced as the newest member of Menudo in July, I decided to take those flashback articles, edit them and add anything new I’ve learned over the years. In this post, we take a look at the year 1985. Click here to read about 1984 when Menudo fans were introduced to Little Ricky.

As 1985 began, the world was about to discover what Menuditis was all about — something devoted fans in Latin America and the United States already comprehended. As the group members of Menudo prepared themselves to spread Menudomania all over the world, Ricky, who had only been in the group for a few months, quickly became a popular member along with Ray Reyes, Roy Rossello, Robby Rosa (Draco Rosa) and Charlie Rivera (Masso).

At the end of 1984, the group’s first Portuguese language album was released in Brazil. The album was titled Mania and included the Portuguese versions of various Menudo fan favorites. The album included Ricky Melendez instead of Little Ricky on vocals, but Kiki had the pleasure of traveling to Brazil. The beginning of 1985 was hectic for the group with visits to Brazil, Asia and Japan, where Menudo appeared at the popular Tokyo Music Festival.

At the beginning of 1985, it was announced that Ray Reyes would be replaced by Raymond Acevedo in April. Raymond made his official debut with the group’s second English album, Menudo. The album featured the hit Hold Me and other favorites, such as Come Home and Explosion. On the album, Ricky sang Oh My Love, the English translation of his first song Rayo de Luna, which appeared on the 1984 album Evolucion.

In 1985, the group was also honored to participate in two special projects — the songs King Holiday and Cantare, Cantaras. King Holiday was a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and included several American pop artists, such as New Edition, Whitney Houston and Lionel Richie. Cantare, Cantaras was a collaboration of Latin artists, in which the profits from the album went to causes that fought against world hunger.

To the delight of fans, two more dolls, Robby Rosa and Ricky Martin, were added to the Menudo doll collection. The original collection included Johnny Lozada, Ricky Melendez, Charlie Rivera, Ray Reyes and Roy Rossello.

In May 1985,  the fivesome appeared on a two-part special of the populer TV show The Love Boat. Filmed while Ray Reyes was still in the group, the boys did a bit of matchmaking on the show as well as performing.

The summer of 1985 was besieged with problems as Menudo embarked on a tour of the states promoted by Pepsi, the soda company for which they had previously appeared in commercials. Charlie had mononucleosis for the New York shows, and Ray Reyes temporarily returned to join the other four members on stage. The rest of the U.S. summer tour had to be postponed when Ricky, Charlie, Ray, Roy, and then choreographer Joselo Vega caught chickenpox. 

Fortunately, the group was able to make up the concert dates that fall. Even their summer concert series in their homeland, Puerto Rico, was overshadowed by bad luck when at a waterpark meet and greet with fans, Roy twisted his neck, and Ricky sprained his toe when a board hit his foot. 

The summer of 1985 wasn’t all terrible. That year Menudo released their album Ayer y Hoy. On this album, Ricky sang a duet with Raymond called Me siento bien con mis amigos. Later in the year, the group released another Portuguese album and finished recording their first Italian album. Ricky sang the Italian version of the popular Menudo song Dulce Besos on this LP.

At the end of 1985, the group toured the Philippines, Asia and Europe. Ricky was now a seasoned Menudo. Ahead of him were many fellow members and countless exciting experiences that would build a solid foundation for the future.

Ricky Martin’s Menudo Years — 1984

Ricky Martin, above right and below, performed with Menudo at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago in October 1984. Photos by Myron Havis.

In the late 1990s, my friends and I created a newsletter called Ricky’s Fan Central. The publication was dedicated to fans like us who were no longer teens and interested in the latest news and photos of Ricky Martin. We also added updates on former members of Menudo. One feature I loved was a section where I wrote articles about Ricky’s time in Menudo and the early days of his career. With the 40th anniversary of Ricky stepping on stage to be introduced as the newest member of Menudo coming up in July, I decided to take those flashback articles, edit them and add anything new I’ve learned over the years. In this post, we take a look at the year 1984 when Menudo fans were introduced to Little Ricky.

As a child modeling in commercials in Puerto Rico, Enrique Martin Morales was no stranger to show business. However, he had a dream — to be a member of the Puerto Rican pop group Menudo.

In his 2010 book Me, Ricky wrote that from an early age, he would grab a spoon and sing along to songs by Menudo and groups his older siblings Fernando and Angel enjoyed like REO Speedwagon, Journey and Led Zeppelin. Between the ages of 10 and 12, he called his desire to join Menudo an obsession.

Ricky tried out three times to be in the group. The first two times, the manager rejected him because he was too small. But, at the third audition, his dreams of joining the group became a reality. Standing five feet tall and weighing 80 pounds, Ricky was introduced as Ricky Melendez’s substitute at Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre in Puerto Rico on July 10, 1984. A few weeks later, Ricky Melendez’s last performance was held. According to the book Me, Ricky had 10 days to learn 18 dances before his July appearance, and between joining the group and his introduction, it was only a month. Just think, right now, 40 years ago, Ricky was about to embark on our journey that would dramatically change his life. 

The wide-eyed 12-year-old Ricky, who fans soon affectionately called Kiki or Little Ricky, was terrified by thoughts of learning so many dances and songs and being accepted by Menudo’s fans. But Ricky had nothing to worry about as he quickly won the hearts of fans with the song Rayo de luna.

“No boy—not even when he is a grown man—can discern what will happen when his life path is altered,” Ricky wrote in his book.

Kiki soon began a concert and promotional tour for the album Evolucion with Menudo members Ray Reyes, Charlie Rivera (Charlie Masso), Robby Rosa (Draco Rosa) and Roy Rossello. The fivesome thrilled audiences in the United States and Europe that year. Little Ricky quickly became a popular group member. Evolucion and 1984 were the foundation of a tenure with the group that would span five years and the bulk of Kiki’s teen years.

Above, Ricky poses with fan Delia Marquez in Mexico City. Photo from Delia Marquez

Fan Gathering Inspires

This year was one of the best Super Bowl Sundays I’ve had, and I didn’t even watch the game.

A few friends and I had the chance to spend time with former Menudo and MDO member Didier Hernandez and to experience a shortened version of his songwriting camp that he’s shared with other fans in North and South America. Out of all the fan gatherings I’ve been to through the years, it was one of the best ones.

For those who don’t know anything about Menudo, it was a group from Puerto Rico consisting of five cute boys who sang and danced. Once they reached 16, grew too tall or their voices changed, they had to leave the group. I was a huge fan back in the mid- to late-1980s.

In addition to attending countless concerts in New York and Puerto Rico, I was also fortunate to meet many members at formal and informal gatherings.

I was lucky to meet Didier back in the late 1990s. While I followed the careers of Ricky Martin and other former Menudo members, it had been a while since I kept up to date on the group Menudo. When I heard they changed their name to MDO in 1997, my friends and I were curious. We had to see what MDO was all about when we heard they would be performing at a festival in Queens. One friend made a couple of calls, and before you knew it, we were meeting them the night before. Didier and his groupmates Daniel Rene Weider, Abel Talamantez, Alexis Grullon and Edgar (Anthony) Galindo were absolute sweethearts. The next day, when we attended the festival, we were blown away by their singing and dancing abilities. My Menudo days may have been behind me, but I gladly made time to show my support for MDO whenever they were in New York.

When a friend recently decided to organize a get together with Didier, I was all for it. It turned out he was doing what he calls a songwriting camp in other countries with fans. The two-day events include photos and autographs, and cooking and getting a peek into his songwriting techniques.

While our get-together was only six hours and minus cooking — even though we did have food — we had the opportunity to sit down and participate in a songwriting exercise. First of all, Didier should be an interviewer. The questions he asked, as well as the follow-up ones, created some interesting conversations, especially about relationships. We all also enjoyed lots of laughs. It’s always good when you can laugh about your mistakes, especially romantic ones.

Many times, I have said to friends that I wish back in the day, I had focused more on friendships with my fellow fans instead of things such as snagging concert seats in the first few rows or meeting the guys. Fortunately for all of us, social media has allowed us to reconnect and rekindle old friendships or build on acquaintanceships over the years.

This past Sunday was one of those memorable days, and an example of how fortunate my friends and I are to have each other and the guys in our lives.

For me, it’s more than the bonding and the memories I was left with this Sunday. It was inspiring to see how Didi goes about songwriting and his commitment to it. As a writer, it helps me to see other writers or creatives working toward their craft, reminding me to take it step by step and enjoy the journey.

As much as I enjoy the appetizers, commercials and half-time show on Super Bowl Sunday, this year the day was more memorable.

To all the Menudo and MDO fans out there, grab the opportunity if you get a chance to attend a get-together with Didier. There is a fee, but the experience is worth every penny!