The original lineup, consisting of Carlos Meléndez, Óscar Meléndez, Fernando Sallaberry, Nefty Sallaberry, and Charlie Zuffo, laid the foundation for the group's success. However, it was the addition of Ricky Martin in 1984 that catapulted Menudo to international stardom. Martin's tenure with the group, which lasted from 1984 to 1990, is often referred to as the "Golden Era" of Menudo.