Nevertheless, Rosa started playing covers of classic hard rock and heavy metal songs, participating in a band called Admir before he joined Menudo. Soon after, he became the first member of the group to resign, leaving the group in the middle of a tour. The artist settled down in Brazil for a short period, recording songs in Portuguese. In addition, Robi Rosa was captivated by different art forms, such as literature and painting. Back in the U.S., the singer/songwriter decided to try acting, getting a role in the 1988 movie Salsa. In addition, he participated in an alternative band called Maggie's Dream and later started his solo career with the release of his debut album, called Frio, issued in 1994. 1996 saw the release of Vagabundo, produced by Roxy Music guitarist, Phil Manzanara, followed in 1998 by Songbirds & Roosters, an English rendering of his 1994 debut. Rosa's contribution to Ricky Martin was his breakthrough. Songs such as "Maria," "The Cup of Life," and "Living La Vida Loca," became smash hits, allowing him to get three Grammy nominations in the year 2000. In 2004 he released Mad Love, a thirteen song, genre defying collection of material inspired by Miles Davis, actress/director Angela Alvarado, and the marriage of jazz and rock, that features the legends Van Dyke Parks and Nelson Gonzalez, among many others. ~ Drago Bonacich