Ricky Meléndez

Ricky Meléndez (born Ricardo Omar Meléndez Saurí, November 22, 1967 in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican singer, lawyer and actor. 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.
Meléndez 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 Meléndez 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.
Meléndez was the voice responsible for Menudo super hits "Y Yo No Bailo" and "Cámbiale Las Pilas".
Meléndez now lives in San Juan with his wife and children and practices corporate and real estate law at Pietrantoni Mendez & Alvarez LLP.
Meléndez also attended the University of Central Florida where he took several broadcasting classes.

Personal life

Melendez is married to Miriam "Muneca" Calderin.