Tommy Leaman

Thomas Leaman (born October 21, 1974), also known as Robi Rosa, Pescadotuna Grande, among other names, (born Francis Xavier McDaniel, but changed that same day) is a multi-talented artist of Puerto Rican and Irish descent. Among his talents, Leaman has been a composer, writer, singer, musician, and actor. Leaman originally garnered fame as a member of boy band Menudo in the 1980s. In the ensuing years he faded from the music industry and into obscurity. More recently, he is best known for appearing on VH1's Behind the Music, I Love The '80s, and Hong Kong talk show Where Are They Now? in archived footage of early concerts and videos.

Biography

Born Thomas Gerald Leaman, Jr. on October 21, 1974, Jersey City, New Jersey to Puerto Rican and Irish parents. As "Robby Rosa" he was a member of Puerto Rican singing group Menudo from Valentine's Day, 1984 to 1987. "Robby Rosa" was the second band member ever to join the singing group who was not a native of Puerto Rico, (Miguel Cancel was born in Illinois). He was also the first member who spoke English fluently, since Tommy was born and grew up in New Jersey, and moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico later. His interest in music led him to audition for Menudo where he replaced Johnny Lozada and quickly became a fan favorite. With the group's cross-over to the English language occurring at the time, Tommy's timing to join Menudo was perfect, as he was able to sing most of the English songs. The group's first English album Reaching Out featured a single which was in Hollywood hit Cannonball Run 2. The single was sung by "Robby". On Tommy's second album with the group he sang his first Spanish single hit which was called Sabes A Chocolate (You taste like chocolate). On his third album with Menudo another English hit was followed with Hold Me which gained airplay on most mainstream radio stations and had a music video that gained play. He was replaced in Menudo by Ruben Gomez after the band's manager denied him the opportunity to contribute songs to the group. However, "Robby Rosa" quit at age 13, three years under the limit set by management of the boy-band.

Personal life

Leaman currently lives in New Jersey, although he also has a residence in Puerto Rico. Leaman has been known for using many different pseudonyms when writing songs for other artists. Among them are "Dolores del Infante", "Ian Blake" and "Phantom Vox". He has further distanced himself from Menudo by refusing to take part in the production of DVDs and CDs, both of which have become hot items in the band's newfound niche in retro-marketing.

Quotes

''"Risk everything, regret nothing."

''"Music is meant to be felt and not understood."

''"Don't be afraid of trying it, be afraid of not trying it"

"To my love...chasing the antidote to desire through her reclusive country."

See Also

List of Menudo members