All original Menudo band members: Where are they now?
The original Menudo band members were Carlos Meléndez, Óscar Meléndez, Ricky Meléndez, Fernando Sallaberry, and Nefty Sallaberry. Today, the singers who set the stage for Latin pop's global rise have pursued different paths, with careers in law, architecture, music, and technology.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Carlos Meléndez co-founded Menudo in 1977 and later became an architect.
- Óscar Meléndez left Menudo in 1981 at age 15 and is now a lawyer.
- Ricky Meléndez stayed in Menudo until 1984 and now works as an attorney in Puerto Rico.
- Fernando Sallaberry gained early solo success, but later developed a neuromuscular disease.
- Nefty Sallaberry was the first member replaced in 1979 and built a career in IT.
Where are the original Menudo band members?
The initial original Menudo band members set the foundation for what became one of the most famous Latin boy bands in history. Here are the original Menudo band members and where they are now.
| Members | Role | Duration |
| Carlos Meléndez | Vocalist | 1977–1979 |
| Óscar Meléndez | Vocalist | 1977–1984 |
| Ricky Meléndez | Vocalist | 1977–1984 |
| Fernando Sallaberry | Vocalist | 1977–1980 |
| Nefty Sallaberry | Vocalist | 1977–1981 |
1. Carlos Meléndez
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Carlos Javier Meléndez Saurí
- Date of birth: 10 April 1965
- Place of birth: Hato Rey, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Age: 60 years old as of 2025
- Profession: Architect, singer
Carlos Meléndez was one of the five founding members of Menudo when producer Edgardo Díaz launched the band in 1977. He sang on Menudo's first albums, such as Los Fantasmas and Laura. Carlos remained with Menudo until 1980, before the group’s international breakthrough. He also sang Spanish covers, such as ABBA’s ‘Voulez-Vous’ (Los Fantasmas).
After leaving Menudo, the Puerto Rican singer tried a brief duo project with Fernando Sallaberry. In 1987, he and three other original members formed a short-lived group called XCHANGE, but it never secured a record contract.
Carlos later left performing to focus on his studies. He graduated in sound recording and later pursued a career outside of music. As of 2025, Carlos Meléndez is best known for his work in architecture.
2. Óscar Meléndez
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Óscar Orlando Meléndez Saurí
- Date of birth: 21 March 1966
- Place of birth: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Age: 59 years old (as of 2025)
- Profession: Lawyer, singer
Óscar Meléndez joined the band in 1977 alongside his older brother Carlos and younger brother Ricky, as well as the Sallaberry brothers (Fernando and Neftalí). Óscar sang lead on many early Menudo songs. He performed with Menudo until 1981 (age 15), when he reached the band’s age limit and was replaced by Miguel Cancel.
After Menudo, Óscar Meléndez focused on his education and professional career. He earned a degree in business and later studied law at the University of Puerto Rico. By the late 1980s and 1990s, he had established himself in the legal field.
Óscar Meléndez is today a practicing attorney in San Juan and co-owner of the law firm Malley, Tamargo & Meléndez Sauri.
3. Ricky Meléndez
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Ricardo Omar Meléndez Saurí
- Date of birth: 22 November 1967
- Place of birth: Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
- Age: 57 years old as of August 2025
- Profession: Lawyer, singer
Ricky Meléndez was the youngest of the original Menudo members and the only one to span the 1970s and 1980s eras of the band. He joined Menudo at age nine and became one of its most enduring members. The prominent singer stayed in the group until 1984 at age 16.
After Menudo, Ricky Meléndez joined the University of Central Florida and later the University of Puerto Rico, where he obtained a law degree. As of 2025, he is a practicing attorney at Pietrantoni Méndez & Álvarez in Puerto Rico. The lawyer has extensive experience advising clients in the media and entertainment industries.
Ricky Meléndez married Miriam Calderín in the late 1980s, and the couple has four children.
4. Fernando Sallaberry
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Fernando Ramón Sallaberry Valls
- Date of birth: 25 November 1965
- Place of birth: Barcelona, Spain
- Age: 59 years old as of August 2025
- Profession: Singer, television presenter
Fernando Sallaberry was a founding member of Menudo and often sang lead vocals. He joined the group at age 12 and was Menudo’s first voice on hits like Chiquitita and Cara Dura. Fernando performed with Menudo until 1984 at age 14, when Xavier Serbiá replaced him.
After leaving the band, Fernando embarked on a solo career in Puerto Rico. He gained popularity as a solo singer in the early 1980s and hosted the teen music show Adelante Juventud.
Tragically, Fernando Sallaberry’s life took a dramatic turn in the mid-1990s. The television presenter began to develop serious health problems. The singer developed a neuromuscular disease, which limits his public appearances.
5. Nefty Sallaberry
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Óscar Neftalí Sallaberry Valls
- Date of birth: 1 March 1964
- Place of birth: Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Age: 61 years old as of 2025
- Profession: IT professional, singer
Nefty Sallaberry was the eldest of the original five and was known for his bass vocals and choreography in Menudo. The musician joined at age 13 and performed on the first two Menudo albums. Nefty’s tenure in the band was relatively short; he left in 1979 (age 15) and was replaced by René Farrait. He was the first member replaced under the band’s age-rule system.
After leaving Menudo, Nefty transitioned away from show business. Nefty Sallaberry graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1986 with a degree in computer science. Following that, he built a career in the tech industry.
Who are the original members of Menudo?
The original members of Menudo were Carlos Meléndez, Óscar Meléndez, Ricky Meléndez, Fernando Sallaberry, and Nefty Sallaberry. They formed the group in Puerto Rico in 1977 under producer Edgardo Díaz.
Which members of Menudo have passed away?
As of 2025, all five original members of Menudo are alive. However, later members of the group have passed away, such as Ray Reyes in 2021 and Anthony Galindo (El Papi Joe) in 2020.
What did Ray Reyes die from?
Ray Reyes died on 30 April 2021 at the age of 51. His brother Raúl Reyes confirmed in a public statement that the cause was a massive heart attack.
Was Ricky Martin part of Menudo?
Ricky Martin joined Menudo in 1984, replacing Ricky Meléndez at only 12 years of age. He remained with the group until 1989. His time in Menudo launched his career, giving him international success as a global pop icon with hits such as the MLB walk-up song, Livin' La Vida Loca.
How many members has Menudo had over time?
Menudo had more than 30 members across its original run and various revivals since 1977. Today, its members include Nicolas Calero, Gabriel Rossell, Andres Emilio, Alejandro Querales, and Ezra Gilmore.
Did Menudo ever have a spin-off group?
In the early 2000s, a successor group, MDO, emerged as the evolution of Menudo. This rebranding enabled older former members to continue performing under a refreshed identity that was suited to their maturing image.
The original Menudo band members played a key role in shaping Latin pop during the late 1970s and 1980s. Their legacy goes beyond music, as many later pursued careers in law, architecture, and technology.
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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
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