"Dad I Want To Be A Menudo!"

By Ramon Acevedo, Sr

The true story of a member of the famous group (Boy Band) Menudo, Raymond Acevedo, who at 12 years of age was determined to enroll and belong to the group Menudo. His struggles, determination and faith led him to do what at that moment was impossible. His experiences and that of his family with the struggles with the organization of Padosa America who wielding a very tight control of the group.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ramon Acevedo, Sr
• Release date: Oct 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301410255

Ramon Acevedo, Sr

Ramón Acevedo nació en Bayamón, Puerto Rico el 5 de junio de 1940. Pintor desde los 10 años de edad. Estuvo en las fuerzas armadas de los Estados Unidos y fue participe de la guerra de Viet-Nam. Estudió su escuela intermedia en la ciudad de Nueva York y su universidad en la Universidad Central de Bayamón PR. Casado con su esposa Sonia Magaly Kercadó por 44 años y tiene dos hijos. Ramón Enrique Acevedo,de quien se trata este libro y Glorily Magaly Acevedo su hija. Hoy esta retirado y sigue con su arte http//:www.acevedoart.com . Vive hoy en Orlando Florida pero su arte es inspirado por su Islita del encanto Puerto Rico.

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"Dad, I want to be a Menudo!"

By: Ramon L. Acevedo

The true story of a member of the famous group (Boy Band) Menudo, Raymond Acevedo, who at 12 years of age was determined to enroll and belong to the group Menudo. His struggles, determination and faith led him to do what at that moment was impossible. His experiences and that of his family with the struggles with the organization of Padosa America who wielding a very tight control of the group along with its creator Edgardo Díaz Meléndez. A true adventure of emotions and unforgettable events.

"Dad, I Want To Be A Menudo!"

Posted by Ramon L. Acevedo on Smashwords

Copyright 2012 Ramon L. Acevedo

Published by Ramon L. Acevedo at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 Ramon L. Acevedo

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Edición Smashwords, Notas de Licenciamiento

Este libro esta licenciado para su uso y disfrute personal. Este Libro Electrónico no puede ser revendido o dado a otras personas. Si le gustaría compartirlo con otra persona, favor de comprar una copia adicional para cada recipiente. Si esta leyendo este libro y no fue adquirido para usted, favor de ir a Smashwords y adquirir su propia copia. Gracias por respetar el trabajo realizado por el autor.

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INDEX

Prologue.......About The Book

Dedication.....By The Author

Introduction.How It All Began

Chapter 1. Menudo The Story Begins

Chapter 2. A New Star is Born

Chapter 3.....The First Audition

Chapter 4.....A New Menudo

Chapter 5.....Coexistence

Chapter 6.....The First Great Triumph

Chapter 7.....His New Adventure Begins

Chapter 8.....The Sweet Taste of Success

Chapter 9.....Penetrating the Barrier

Chapter 10...Unusual Discoveries

Chapter 11...1986, Obvious the Descent

Chapter 12...The Empire Collapses

Chapter 13...Padosa Agonizes

Chapter 14...The Bankruptcy of a Millionaire

Chapter 15.... Where There is Smoke...!

About The Author

Dad, I Want To Be A Menudo!

Prologue

During the 1970's our musical world was influenced primarily by the post Vietnam War and the consequent bohemian movement generated following the great opposition that war generated. Music in Latin America had not suffered the North American influence in its concepts and rhythms of Rock as it does now, and the music still had the idiosyncrasies of the different cultures in our part of the world. Our youth enjoyed a range of rhythms that came from the same musical gender that we the parents live in our youth. There was a huge gap between the music of the youth audience and that of the adults. It forced young people between the ages of 10 to 16 years to listen and assimilate the music written and designed for mature audiences.

For the late '70s a musical phenomenon emerged and in a very short time took Latin America, and soon the whole world, with a pace and freshness that still defies all logic in showbiz. This movement, which penetrates the young musical gender gap, takes advantage of the incredible economic potential it represents. This brilliant concept created by the young Puerto Rican businessman Edgardo Diaz Meléndez became known worldwide as simply MENUDO!

Menudo became a true legend of gigantic proportions that conquered the hearts of millions of people, surpassing all statistics produced so far in the world of entertainment. Its unique formula to replace its members once reached 15 to 16 years of age and or physical changes that would alter the youthful image of the group, held this legendary band in front for two decades.

Few people have been able to penetrate the privacy of Menudo as a group and the personal lives of its members. Many rumors and speculations have arisen about them but no one has ever been able to really talk about the private and intimate life within the group. The entire public saw Menudo's splendor, talent and youthful dynamism but few can speak of the intimate life of its members and the organization that ran the group, Padosa America. Like everything in life, there are situations of joy, suffering, distress and disappointments and Menudo was no exception to this natural law. The impenetrable barrier was such that any incident or serious situation within the group never came to light and those that that did was filtered to the press and the expression made by its former members, no one believed.

This intimate history of Menudo is finally revealed in this book Dad; I want to be a Menudo! Through the life of one of its members. This story reflects the experience of almost every one of its many members during the group's existence as each of them had to face the same organization in the same manner and conditions. This is the story of Raymond Acevedo, fifteenth member selected for the group Menudo on January 15, 1985 at the age of thirteen. This story shows the way a talented child 12 year old fought to become chosen and the struggles he faced through the three (3) in the group. This is also the story of the family's life from the time Raymond Acevedo told his father Dad; I want to be a Menudo! until the final outcome on August 2, 1988 when we were forced to withdraw Raymond from Menudo. The book reveals the struggles to prepare this talented boy in his attempt, which at the time seemed impossible, to belong to this great legend. The emotions and thrills of the auditioning process and finally being chosen as the new member of the group. Then the book reveals the true intimacy of the organization and how business was really conducted and what drove these five guys. The truth behind the rumors that plagued the group at one point in its history and the people responsible for the final collapse of the group. It is a book that is astonishing and quite revealing and will surprise many. Some will believe and some will not, but the truth is seen by everyone in different ways. Menudo was the pioneer and originator of the concept of youth groups (Boy Bands). New Kids on the Block, Back Street Boys, Ensynk, Oh Town, etc originate their style and concept from our boys.

Dad, I want to be a Menudo! It will take you to the heart of the real world that was once the great legend of Menudo.

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Dedication

Author

There are so many people to whom I would like to dedicate this book, which certainly would not have enough pages to list them all in this publication. For this reason I have chosen to dedicate, first, to all those young men who at some point in the past 20 years or more belonged to Menudo. Young Puerto Rican artistic that at one time or another formed part of this incredible group (Boy Band) (It is now in 2012 is called MDO). Many stories can be written for each of these members. Some stories of joy and success, but also of sadness and grief. Also Stories of failures and triumphs. Fernando Sallaberry is an example that despite a debilitating brain condition and a poor prognosis has delivered himself into the hands of God and begins a miraculous healing process. Ricky Martin in Menudo in beginning just sang the same song for a year and patiently and without complaint sang it with joy and conformity. Now we see that Ricky has conquered the world artistically. His patience and discipline have paid off handsomely. But like Fernando he gives recognition to his success to a higher spiritual plane and his thanks are always directed upward. This story I'm about to tell may well be the individual history of each of these past members. Just change the names and some circumstances but the essence of his experiences in Menudo are virtually identical.

The Acevedo Family

I also dedicate this book to my family; for all that we lived, enjoyed and suffered together, but mostly all we loved together. We have to bear the consequences of our decisions. Decisions that affected the whole family in one way or another and that left unforgettable happy memories but also indelible scars. There comes to mind a Bible passage that describes the importance of truth. This truth must be told no matte how painful so that others can benefit from our experience. God has given me incredible blessings especially with an extraordinary family. But sometimes by the same love for our family that invades us, especially for our children, it encourages us to make decisions that were not necessarily the most accurate or best. My wife and I took a path with our son Raymond and Menudo and we were influenced mostly by the immense love for him but not necessarily the entire correct decision that the situation demanded.

And this is the condemnation, that the light came into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light or neither cometh to the light, so his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifestand that they are made in God. John 2: 19-21. This is our truth.

Introduction

Raymond Acevedo at 12 years of age

The dictionary defines legend as glorious events that are transmitted by tradition. I find it interesting how some legends are born and even transmitted and eventually become disproportionately large events. These legends are transmitted and, slowly, and slowly part of the culture of the people and finally etched firmly in the minds of its people and seen by everyone in magnitudes of various proportions. Soon begins the hype, then the legend quickly become a glorified event, often is unattainable for our limited minds. Just curious is the fact that many legends are often stripped of all evil or otherwise attributed all kinds of evil properties. We see then as that most individuals speak on a legendary topic wonderfully good or incredibly bad. If we look at our world history we find that the textbooks are full of these legendary characters and events. Many of these go on to become myths and epics.

A true classic and legendary example of our time and subject of this book is the famed Puerto Rican and international group, Menudo. A legend often inexplicable and that has defied all logic. Many experts and scholars on the subject of show business have been unable to agree on why and how this legend could maintain such incredible reputation for almost 20 years or more. Menudo, with its unique formula in the world to change its members they reach 15 or 16 years of age, conquered artistically million of youth around the planet. A legend with great attributes stripped of all evil and become the example for our children. The thought of being able to belong to Menudo was enough to excite the heart of any young man in the world and fill any heart of a proud father

I had my first encounter with this legend when my 12 year old son, approached me in the summer of 1983, riding his bike, and he expressed:

"Dad; I Want to Be a Menudo!" Very surprised I answered:

You want to be what?

Dad, a Menudo, I want to become one of the group Menudo! In fact, I called Padosa, to see when they will be having auditions for the group. I read in the newspaper that Ricky Meléndez retires soon. He replied with his eyes wide open and expressing all his excitement."

Wait a minute son; I don't know what the heck you're talking about! I said a little confused.

My mind, at least at that time, could not even conceive my son in the same plane with Menudo. Without reflecting contempt for my son and or his skills, but in my mind Menudo was indicative of the unattainable, a ten on a scale of 1 to 10, it was impossible, just the biggest legend that the island of Puerto Rico has produced. So you can imagine how I was stunned to hear my son pretend to belong or think that he could be chosen for a group as was Menudo. I, like many Puerto Ricans, thought the group had risen to a level unattainable and in my mind and my son was just a mere mortal.

By chance, the kind that occur only once in lifetime, I was talking to a lawyer friend of mine for many years and a client of my business, (a day care center and preschool school), Mr. José (Papo) Augosto Velez at the very moment when my made his request on Menudo. The lawyer told me in a moment he was just appointed to his new as company lawyer of Padosa America, who by chance were precisely the handler of the group Menudo s

Look Ray, I'll bring some applications for auditions for your child.

Right now there are no auditions but it will remain on record so when there are future occasion.

This really was too much for me. My son wanted to be an impossible and my friend giving him encouragement. Now with a little impatience and very little psychology I told my son.

Ramon! Where did you get that Menudo thing, if you don’t even sing or dance?

Dad, don’t think so little of me. What happens is that you have never heard me sing. He replied with a deep stare.

The truth was that we had never heard him sing and I honestly I saw him as a very shy and quiet boy and much less capable of an audition with that group. My mind could not even consider a remote possibility with Menudo auditions let alone belong to them. The reality is that we parents often wrap ourselves in our businesses and lives so that we don’t realize that our children have a life too. We overlook that they have their own dreams and goals and we want to impose our own and think ours are illusions are there's. Our overprotection leads to the imposition, often producing setbacks and disappointments in life.

That night, Ramon approached me and with a twinkle in his eyes asked.

Dad; you want to hear me sing?

My wife, that at the time washed the dinner dishes, looked at me with sad eyes; she nodded in approval at the same time reflecting the Puerto Rican famous phrase, when you feel compassionate toward another, Hay Bendito. I realized I had not touched the topic of Menudo all day with him. I replied putting my arm around him:

Of course I do! Let me connect the stereo microphone so we can hear you better.

Being a fan of sound equipment I had a range of electronic devices and quickly fixed him with his microphone and stand. I watched his face light up with excitement for this was to be his first appearance as a singer before an audience. He quickly selected a Menudo LP record and placed the needle in the selection Chiquitita. This was an original tune of ABBA the European group which I believe played and sang very well. My wife Magaly and I sat comfortably in front of him. Ramón stood before the microphone and began to sing with the music. Because of the microphone his voice be could heard over Miguel Cancel voice, the Menudo singer who interpreted the melody. Magaly looked at me with astonishment, our son could really sing! His voice harmonized so well with Menudo that he appeared to be part of it. It was an angelical voice, soft and melodious. I felt embarrassed because despite knowing my son well I didn't know of this quality

Our son enjoyed a stable home and in our view, a very happy childhood. He grew up in a home free of those fights that characterized the Latin temperament. On the premise of mutual respect, putting aside the Alfa male characteristic of our male population and dedicate myself to one woman, my wife. This inevitably rids the home environment of jealousy and fruitless arguments and leads to a highly stable marriage to date (2012) have 43 years of existence. We gave our son a basis of harmony and unity, a condition that is then reflected in his character as a grown individual. However he was not a spoiled child or capricious person, on the contrary, he developed as a humble person and very self confident. It was not until eight years after his birth that we tried for a second child. Born was Glorily Magaly Acevedo our princess. Her name is derived from three names: Glori the name of her maternal grandmother Gloria, Ly from the name of her paternal grandmother Lydia and Magaly her mother's middle name, Sonia Magaly.

Raymond and his little sister Glorily

The joy that enveloped our home was reflected especially in our son. Since the birth of Glorily and even today he is inseparable from his sister. They share everything and even had their room's side by side but eventually finish sleeping in the same room.

Upon arrival of our daughter, Ramón had great maturity for his age, which still characterizes him. His grades, (Private school Zaenid of Riverview in Bayamón, Puerto Rico) were excellent and enjoyed a reputation as a good student and capable athlete. His tastes and entertainment, always have been, and are still family oriented.

After realizing that our son had talent, we reflected on the past and were reminded that yes, he had shown signs of artistic inclination before, except that we never gave it true consideration. As a baby he would go to sleep only with music, so we had to leave the radio on. While playing in his play pen he also had to be listening to music. It was very funny to watch him take one of his toys and used it as a microphone and gesturing to sing and dance. All this we dispatched as curious and funny and nothing else.

During Preschool and his Kindergarten experience, Raymond had a great disposition for the songs of his classroom but he just wanted to be singing only the songs he wanted. During Kindergarten graduation ceremonies, he participated in a play made for the occasion. He played the role of Chapulin Colorado played by Chespirito a Mexican comedian. His mother, who incidentally was also his teacher, made the drama for Raymond's sake because the Chapulin Colorado was his undisputed hero and he perfectly imitated him

Magaly and I were really impressed with the interpretation made by Raymond of Chiquitita. As parents we tend to believe that our children are the best around. My wife and I are aware of this, because we owned a Day Care Center and pre school' for 20 years. We believe them to be smartest, the prettiest, the cleverest and finally a the greatest boy. Taking this into account, we wanted to be as objective as our parent status would allow us. We decided to talk to a friend and client of ours; the then singer Jhenzen. He was of Dominican origin and was artistically handled by his then wife Zaida Morales, who later became the first Puerto Rican manager of the first rapper Ruben DJ. To our knowledge, they were the best people to give an objective opinion on the matter of the artistic qualities of our son. The next day I contacted my friend and we agreed we would visit us that night to hear Raymond sing. At the same time I did focus on the fact that we wanted an objective and honest evaluation and that our friendship should not influence him to please me by saying the opposite of reality.

Early that night he and his wife Zaida came to our house. After a short conversation they sat down to listen to our son sing. Quickly he performed Cuando Pasara of the LP. Por Amor(For Love) and Tu te Imaginas from the LP. Una Aventura Llamada Menudo (An Adventure called Menudo). After his performances, Jhenzen asked him to sing a cappella (without music) which he did without hesitation. After thinking for a moment Jhenzen looked at me, with eyes of wonder and joy and said.

Listen Acevedo, your son has it! With a little practice he will be a tremendous singer. Look, Acevedo, I do see him in Menudo! And I'll tell you something else, if they don't want to sign him, I am going to record his first LP Record myself.

Zaida, who was quiet but with a tremendous smile, added:

Acevedo, I think you should prepare him first so that when he auditions with Menudo, he has some ease, especially in the dancing.

But look here! Do you really believe that the boy may have a real opportunity with Menudo?

I asked incredulously and really stunned.

Of course I do and if they don’t sign him it's because they're really crazy, this child is a natural singer, handsome and with a great disposition. What else does Menudo want of its members?

So with the opinion of another and an expert on the subject, confirmed what I as a parent, with all my prejudices, had already determined last night after hearing him sing for the first time. It was at this moment that for the first time the idea struck me, that my son could really become part of the legend. The hairs in the back of my neck all stood up leaving me with a, mixture of pride and fear at the same time.

Magaly My wife and I used to talk about various issues when we go to bed. We sometimes spend an hour or two in this talk. This practice has been very healthy for our marriage as we discuss important issues for the day after and we address these issues in privacy. That night the topic was of course our son and Menudo. We talked about how much things change at any given moment and without really one looking for it. I noticed that she looked somewhat negative despite not having expressed herself. She had a tone of deep concern. Finally she said:

I don't think we should give a lot of color to the subject of Menudo, and I think like you, that it is something very far and very unlikely. I think if he gets too excited he is going to suffer a great disappointment. Do you think that the baby can actually get to audition for this group? She said with watery eyes:

I don't know my love, I really don’t know, but I wouldn't put it pass him and yes, he really sings very well. I replied but still in deep thought

Magaly sat on the bed and looked at me firmly and said loudly:

Yes! He Sing well and looks very cute, but I'll tell you one thing, I don’t think I can take my son's absence from this house. You imagine if we really were to be accepted in Menudo, I think I will die of both pride and sadness. I worry that there are rumors of disreputable homosexuals around them and more, within the organization that administers them.

"Well honey, we don’t know that, the performing art scene in Puerto Rico and wherever you go is plagued by these rumors of homosexuals, pedophiles and drugs. I don’t discount the fact but not only on rumors will we chop this great illusion of our son. I know some gay people who are very decent and friendly. Most of them keep their preferences very private.

I leave the matter in your hands, but you know I don’t really agree. I am very happy with everything the way it is now, but I don’t want Raymond to know that.

Magaly you know that Ramon is a very stubborn child and when he sets out his mind to do one thing or another he doesn't rest until he does it. If he is determined to become a Menudo, I fear that he will achieve it

We continued talking about the subject for about two hours. Little did we know at the time that a year and a half after that night all that we talk about would become reality? This point marked a big change in our lives, a really drastic change. We began a life full of dreams and emotions in abundance. Our lives were filled with immense pride for our son and Menudo. We found the entertainment world with all its excitement and adventure. Unfortunately it all ended in great disappointments never expected. We live in times of uncertainty about the personal safety and morals of our son, culminating in great despair. We ended up fighting against what we both loved and still do, despite everything, Menudo! At the time of my son leaving Menudo (1988) we expressed some warnings, both to the press and the other parents of the group members, on the moral and the administrative and economical practices noted. We warned about the people who ran the group, especially their friends and colleagues. But the legend stripped of evil, particularly by the press, has always managed to ignore the warnings and comments of its outgoing members. The events in the Miami airport on Friday November 23, 1990 where two of the Menudo boys were caught with drugs gave a clear picture of the reality behind all those warnings. Later in April of 1991, the mass resignation of four of the five Menudo members, with allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Shortly after that Mr. Bolivar Arellano, a reporter and free lance photographer from New York City came public with serious accusations against Edgardo Díaz, Antonio Jiménez, and the Lawyer Orlando Lopez of having sex and abusing of more than nine children of Menudo. Local newspapers in Puerto Rico remained relatively silent and neutral, but internationally it all became a scandal of immense proportions. Only the intervention of the distinguished investigative journalist Carmen Jovet begins a series of research programs that report the truth. Carmen starts an avalanche that generates other television programs on various channels on the subject but unlike Lady Jovet sought only a few points for ratings and not the truth. The reporter Miriam Solainne of the then existing magazine TV y Novela of Puerto Rico launched a series of articles related to the truth of Menudo, although the magazine clearly showed a bias in favor of the cause of Edgardo Diaz, director and owner of Menudo. Many years later Edgardo loses the rights, name and all that reflected Menudo as a result of a lawsuit resulting in a new group called MDO.

In this book I describe our experiences as a family and as individuals within the legend of Menudo. Its stage is the world, the characters real and the story true. In it, I talk, about all the good that we encountered in this adventure. There were many wonderful experiences; especially those lived with five team members and their parents. The emotions of the concerts, travel and people we met on the way. Even as I describe, at the time as an adult of 45 years of age, I was inebriated with the magic of this amazing quintet

Unfortunately I have to also mention the malicious performances, unjust and immoral behaviors in the organization of Padosa, the group handler, colleagues and especially their friends. I speak without reservation and especially without fear, because truth is not something to be afraid of. Only those who fear the truth are those who don’t want it to be made known. I talk about the great shield the legend Menudo produced so that some people were profiting and felt free to commit their crimes and immoralities, because Menudo was a legend stripped of all evil and just the name alone produced this great shield.

I speak as a father and I have the firm conviction that it is my responsibility to tell our history, so when a child tells his father Dad I want to be an artist! He may have some elements of judgment. I did not have that information and I went with the sincere desire to please my son and blinded by the legend and my place in what has become known as the Menuditis (the Menudo Bug). Not that I mean I took an ambiguous decisions, but if I had had the information contained herein things may had not finished the way they ended. Only instinct of a father and insistent and constant presence in the affairs of Raymond saved our son from disastrous consequences and more negative outcomes. Today (2012) at the age of 40 years Raymond still suffers from a incredible trauma with everything that has to do with Menudo and especially Edgardo Diaz preventing him from taking advantage of the fact that he was in the group and that his artistic doors had remained open.

I