Ricky Mel�ndez is a Puerto Rican singer. He was raised in Guaynabo. He became a member of Menudo at the age of eight. He was one of the original five in the group. He is the cousin of group founder Edgardo Diaz. As a member of Menudo, he acted in two films: Menudo: La Pelicula, and Una Aventura Llamada Menudo. Mel�ndez retired from Menudo in 1984 at the mandatory age of 16, but since he had started at age eight, he became the member of Menudo who was in the group the longest time, eight years. He gave up his place to Ricky Martin. His final concert with Menudo was in Caguas. Once Mel�ndez 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. Mel�ndez was the voice responsible for Menudo super hits "Y Yo No Bailo" and "C�mbiale Las Pilas". Mel�ndez now lives in San Juan with his wife and children and practices corporate and real estate law at Pietrantoni Mendez & Alvarez LLP. 

November 22nd, 1967 in Hato Rey (Age 56)