The Latin Hit Maker
My Journey from Cuban Refugee to World-Renowned Record Producer and Songwriter
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Published: 2019
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Publisher's Description
For the first time, music legend Rudy Pérez shares his remarkable journey from a poor refugee kid in Miami to composing the greatest hit songs on the world stage. Named the most successful Latin songwriter in history, Rudy Pérez is the creator behind some of the bestselling records of Beyoncé, Julio Iglesias, Christina Aguilera, and IL Divo. In his one-of-a-kind memoir, Rudy tells about his childhood in Cuba and the heart-gripping visits to his father in prison during the height of the communist revolution. Tracing his family's perilous escape on one of the last Freedom Flights to America, Rudy opens up about the years of poverty and growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood. These memories contrast with tender moments of dancing to the stereo with his siblings, nodding along to his mother's classical favorites, and swaying to blues melodies with his father. At a young age, Rudy tried his hand at recreating the music he loved, and his talent led him to an unprecedented career with over 300 hit songs. With years of hard work, ceaseless creativity, and a strong faith, Rudy was the first Latin music artist to win Billboard Producer of the Decade. Looking back over his five-time Grammy winning legacy, Rudy shares little-known stories of faith and behind-the-scenes details of working with stars like Fergie, Jaci Velasquez, Michael Bolton, Simon Cowell, and Sam Moore. A must-read for every music lover, The Latin Hit Maker is a genuine rags-to-riches story filled with inspiration, fascinating details, and a powerful reminder of God's grace and transforming creativity.
Endorsements (6)
“I met Rudy after hearing accolades from friends suggesting I meet and work with him. We became fast friends and started working together, I as the artist and Rudy as producer. I was astonished to hear the great records he had produced on tons of other artists, but I would soon realize he was also writing these songs and then more on top of it all. I heard a new song he’d made a demo of, and I wondered who the singer was. Rudy humbly told me it was him. My jaw dropped at his incredible voice. So to be concise, Rudy Pérez is not only one of the greatest music producers on earth but also a brilliant composer, arranger, musician, and—to my pleasant surprise—one of the greatest voices I’ve ever heard. I’m humbled and grateful to work with him and to know him as my dear friend.”
“Rudy Pérez is, without any doubt, one of the best Latin musicians I have ever met in my life. A great singer, an amazing composer, a very talented producer, and a great human being.”
“Rudy came to this country to live the American dream, which he has been able to do because of his extreme talent and knowledge of music. I am so blessed to be able to record his songs and most importantly to be able to call him a friend and a brother.”
“Rudy is a true quadruple threat: songwriter, arranger, keyboardist, and lyricist. Mucho excellence in all categories. Rudy Pérez is a musical genius and visionary who cofounded the groundbreaking Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame with me, proving once again that he is not only an incorrigible and unrepentant dreamer but a down-to-earth doer. Rudy is also the most loyal, generous, and caring friend one could ever have. Very few people have accomplished as much and helped as many as Rudy Pérez. I am also proud that he is from the same hometown in Cuba where my mother was born—Pinar Del Río.”
“blessed.” I also know at the time he was referring to my God-given talent, my voice, but little did he know that some fifty years later, my blessings would come when I met Rudy Pérez, who I am proud and honored to call my friend, actually my best friend. Rudy is a musical genius in so many ways: his writing, his producing, his voice, and also his God-given gifts and talent. At eighty-three years old, I never could have imagined I’d be in the studio working with the likes of a Rudy Pérez, but I am. He’s my Cuban brother, my mentor, and my creative inspiration. I waited all these years to make the gospel album I promised my mother I would make, and now here I am, back home in Miami, and Rudy, with his sense of the Lord, his understanding of heart and soul, is making my mom’s dream come true and my promise to her fulfilled. Rudy, Betsy, Jenny, Chris, Mike, Corey, and Adam, my wife Joyce and I love all of you to bits and pieces.”
“To have a friend, to know a producer, a composer, and a musician enriches my spirit and allows me to learn without miedo of my role model. These are cosas del amor, to feel breathless by his musas, and even though yo no te dije adiós, there will be a lot more music for the world to continue enjoying the lasting creativity of Rudy Pérez. Thanks for allowing me to enjoy a part of your artistic talent and creations.”
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