Local Music Producer Reflects On Loss Of A Legend

MIAMI (CBS4) – Six time Grammy winner and 10 Billboard Magazine "Producer of the Year" Rudy Perez had a plan in 2000 which he hoped would put Whitney Houston's career back on track.

He co-wrote a song for her which he hoped would become her comeback ballad. Perez said at the direction of Arista Recording head LA Reed, he contacted Houston.

"I wrote this song called 'Couldn't Make You Love Me'. He (Reed) loved the song and I talked to Whitney and she loved the song, but then sadly problems started happening in her career and her life" said Perez, who is based out of Miami Beach.

The song, however, never saw the light of day.

"It's such a shame and so sad. It's a dream I will never fulfill." said Perez.

Perez first met Houston in 1986 after he won his first Grammy Award with Latin singer Jose Feliciano.

"I remember Clive (Davis) walking in with this beautiful African American girl and she was so, so pretty and so sweet," said Perez. "Clive kept telling us remember her name, she's going to be the next big thing."

He would know, Perez has worked with some of the best singers in the world including Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce.

"All of these girls would never have sung the way they do now if it wasn't for Whitney" said Perez.