jimmy ruffin

Biography

Jimmy Ruffin was born on May 7, 1939, in Collinsville, Mississippi, and grew up singing gospel music with his family, including his younger brother David Ruffin, who would later become the lead singer of The Temptations[2][3][4]. After moving to Detroit, Jimmy began working with Berry Gordy's Motown operation in 1961, initially as a session singer and backup vocalist, before releasing his debut single 'Don't Feel Sorry for Me' on Motown's Miracle Records[1][3]. His career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the Army, but upon returning in 1964, he rejoined Motown, which had by then become a powerhouse in soul music[1][2].

Ruffin's breakthrough came with the 1966 hit 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,' a poignant ballad that resonated with audiences and climbed to #7 on the US pop chart and #8 in the UK[1][3]. His emotive, heartfelt vocal style and classic soul arrangements made him a favorite among fans of Motown and Northern Soul. He released several successful singles and albums throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, including collaborations with his brother David as the Ruffin Brothers, notably on the album 'I Am My Brother’s Keeper' and their cover of 'Stand By Me'[2].

Although his popularity waned in the US, Ruffin found enduring success in the UK, where he became a Northern Soul icon and lived for two decades[3]. He staged a comeback in 1980 with 'Hold On to My Love,' produced by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees[2]. Jimmy Ruffin's legacy lies in his ability to convey deep emotion through his music, influencing generations of soul singers and remaining a beloved figure in classic soul and Motown history. He passed away on November 17, 2014[2][3].

Fun Facts

• Jimmy Ruffin was originally offered a spot in The Temptations but declined, persuading his brother David to join instead[3].
• He lived in the UK for about two decades, where he became a Northern Soul icon and even hosted his own talk show in England[2][3].
• His signature hit 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted' was initially intended for The Spinners before Ruffin convinced the writers to let him record it[1][3].
• Ruffin survived the pressures of fame and the music industry, crediting his grandmother's philosophy for keeping him grounded and avoiding the pitfalls that affected many of his peers[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Raynoma Gordy Singleton - Motown executive who encouraged Ruffin to audition for Motown and produced his early singles ('Don't Feel Sorry For Me', early Motown recordings) [1960-1961]
• Berry Gordy - Founder of Motown who signed Ruffin to the label (Motown roster, career development) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• David Ruffin - Younger brother; collaborated as the Ruffin Brothers ('I Am My Brother’s Keeper', 'Stand By Me') [1970]
• Robin Gibb - Produced Ruffin's comeback hit ('Hold On to My Love') [1980]
• The Funk Brothers - Motown's house band; played on Ruffin's recordings ('What Becomes of the Brokenhearted') [1960s]
• The Originals and The Andantes - Provided backing vocals on key tracks ('What Becomes of the Brokenhearted') [1966]

Artists Influenced

• Northern Soul artists - Inspired UK Northern Soul scene with his emotive vocal style and danceable tracks (Numerous covers and club hits) [1970s-1980s]
• Contemporary soul singers - Cited as an influence for his expressive delivery and Motown sound (Various) [1970s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted (Greatest Motown Hits)
2. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted (Sings Top Ten)
3. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Single Version
4. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Single Version (Motown Greatest Hits)
5. Farewell Is A Lonely Sound (Ruff 'N Ready)
6. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (Hold on to My Love)
7. I've Passed This Way Before (Greatest Motown Hits)
8. It's Wonderful (To Be Loved By You) (Ruff 'N Ready)
9. I'll Say Forever My Love (Ruff 'N Ready)
10. Hold On To My Love

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #classic-pop-and-rock, #r&b, #soul