Carlos Mel�ndez is a Puerto Rican who is a former member of Menudo. Mel�ndez is a cousin of band creator Edgardo Diaz, who had success as director of La Pandilla in Spain and who admired the success obtained by The Jackson 5 in the United States. Carlos Mel�ndez and his brothers, Oscar and Ricky, wore curly hair, a style which was popular during the 1970s. In 1977, Diaz created Menudo, asking Carlos and his brothers to become band members, along with Fernando and Nefty Sallaberry, who are also brothers. Carlos Mel�ndez lasted in Menudo until mid 1980, barely missing out on the group's golden era. The only Mel�ndez brother to participate during Menudo's era of worldwide fame was Ricky. Like Oscar, Carlos Mel�ndez did, however, become famous through Puerto Rico when the group began to have a televised show, and with two of Menudo's first hits: a Spanish version of ABBA's "Voulez Vous" and "Los Fantasmas". Carlos Mel�ndez tried a duo singing career with Fernando Sallaberry for a brief time after leaving Menudo. He did not record any major hits by himself, however, and soon, retired from music. 

April 10th, 1965 in San Juan (Age 59)