From Menudo To Ricky Martin
In 1985, hair was big, colors were bright, and Menudo was melting hearts on two continents.
Lightyear Entertainment may bring back memories of that era with its release of concert footage of band member Ricky Martin at age 14. Rolling Stone magazine music editor Joel Levy reflects on the musician's career transition on CBS News This Morning.
"Soft sugary boy groups are popular because girls like soft sugary boys for the most part," Levy explains.
"These groups appeal in an unthreatening way to young girls that are 14 years old, a little older and a little younger, and they have for a long time," he adds.
Today Martin has beaten the odds, transitioning from teen idol to a chart-topping sensation.
"You don't see many of the guys who were in the boy groups become successful on their own," Levy notes. "It's simple; there aren't enough stars out there to begin with."
"If you got a shot once in a group, it's not likely that you're going to hit the lottery twice in a lifetime," he says.
But Martin, who's been successful on his own for years with Spanish language albums, is now a major hit with his English breakthrough album, Levy says.
And if you are tired of hearing about black cats and voodoo dolls, Levy suggests getting used to it. Martin is here to stay.
"This is a guy who's already had several careers. He's been a teen pop star; he's been a soap star both in Mexico and the United States. He's done a little Broadway stage work," Levy points out.
So what's next for Martin? "He could slow down and become a heart surgeon. He's probably going to let his hair grow long. That haircut is so good it could get out there and sell a half million records on its own," Levy says.
Menudo: Video Explosion includes some of the group's biggest hits such as "If Your Not Here," "Hold Me" and "Like An Explosion."
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