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Ricky became an essential element of Menudo's success. Curly haired and diminutive in comparison to most of his Menudo mates, Ricky wasn't precisely the hearthrob of the quintet, or the group's best singer. But he played the funny guy of the group, and his honesty and charm in playing the part earned him great popularity among Menudo's fans. He was also, and still is, a great dancer.
When Menudo became one of the greatest boy bands in history during the early 80's, Ricky became the face of Menudo. Anytime someone mentioned Menudo, Ricky's face would come to the fan's minds.
Ricky retired from Menudo in 1984 at the mandatory age of 16, but since he had started at age 8, he became the member of Menudo who was in the group the longest time, 8 years. He had to give way to the now legendary Ricky Martin at Menudo. His final concert with Menudo was in Caguas, where he was born.
Once Ricky 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 ReencuentroEl Reencuentro was the name that six ex-members of famous group Menudo used for their comeback concert remembering Menudo's Golden Era. Ricky Melendez, Rene Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes and Charlie Masso re-joined to celebrate the 15th. They toured the world and brought back Menudomania memories to all their fans.
Ricky was the voice responsible for Menudo super hits Y Yo No Bailo and Cambiale Las Pilas.
He still cares a lot about his fans and loves signing autographs.
Ricky now lives in WisconsinOne of the periods of glaciation was also termed the Wisconsin glaciation. Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state of the United States, (54,314 square miles) and 18th greatest population (5,453,896 as of 2002). The state's name is an English version of a Fre with his wife and children.