History

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In 1977, Edgardo Diaz hatched an idea for a brand new concept that took the world by storm--a group of young teenaged boys singing and dancing, with ever-changing members who set out to win the hearts of females everywhere.

Once a member reached the age of sixteen or his voice changed so that the sound of the group was altered, a younger recruit, usually aged between twelve and fourteen, would replace him. In this way, the group maintained its fresh, youthful and captivating image so that fans would never tire of it. When the first young members of the band gathered at Diaz's home they evoked the exclamation, "What are so many menudos [little kids] doing here?"

And so Diaz's brainchild, aptly named to encompass the ideals of youth and all that was 'little and small' grew into a huge phenomenon, success that is difficult to fathom even today. On 25 November 1977 the band debuted at Caguas, Puerto Rico, and was met by open arms. With hits such as Si Tu No Estas (If You're Not Here [By My Side]) and Subete A Mi Moto, Menudo went beyond Puerto Rico, beyond Latin America and into the non-Spanish speaking community. Menudo's goal was world domination--and that goal was achieved 100%, thanks to the more than thirty boys who conquered hearts in many nations, in many languages, all over the world.

This was a group that soared to remarkable, unbelieveable heights. In addition to gold and platinum records worldwide and having their pictures on bubblegum wrappers, Menudo was given awards for being exemplary to Latin youth and played the role of goodwill ambassadors. They even had their own soap opera, Por Siempre Amigos (Friends For Always) and a television mini-series called Los Ultimos Heroes (The Last Heroes).

Among those who boast a Menudo pedigree are some of today's biggest stars like Ricky Martin, Robi 'Draco' Rosa (founder of Draco Cornelius Music BMI and the writer of Ricky Martin's Maria, La Copa De La Vida and Livin' La Vida Loca, among others), and Ray Reyes, whose years as part of Menudo gave them the opportunity, the education, and the inspiration to become the successful solo artists they are today.

In 1997, the Menudo group consisting of Abel Talamantez, Alexis Grullon, Didier Hernandez, Anthony Galindo and Daniel Rene Weider decided that a change of name was needed to keep up with the current trends that were a way of life for a whole new generation of people, and to correct the false impression many teens today had that Menudo was a bunch of boys with big hair and shiny shirts that their mothers used to listen to. Thus MDO, the evolution of Menudo, was formed.

MDO's first album was well received, with chart-toppers like No Puedo Olvidarme De Ti and Ay Carino. A large number of new, younger fans were added to those who fondly remembered the Menudo days. But it was their second album Un Poco Mas that blew people away and rapidly amassed fans, gaining the band more respect and recognition as a more matured, quality act in its own right. Heads turned and took notice of these four young men, who displayed their well-honed skills in hits such as the beautiful and moving No Puedo Olvidar and the catchy Dame Un Poco Mas, also known as Groove With Me Tonight.

Menudo is one of the most impactful musical groups this century has seen, and will always be remembered in the annals of history as the world's most important Latin American band, as well as for revolutionizing the music world with its unique concept and distinctive sound. Menudo is a legacy--a legacy that has been passed on to a new generation of members. And in the tradition of Menudo, MDO is keeping that fire burning. Global domination is once again in sight.

Members of Menudo

Nefty Sallaberry

Fernando Sallaberry

Carlos Melendez

Oscar Melendez

Ricky Melendez

Rene Farrait

Johnny Lozada

Xavier Serbia

Miguel Cancel

Charlie Rivera Masso

Ray Reyes