Jimmy Ruffin
from Colinsville, MS
May 7, 1939 - November 17, 2014 (age 75)
Biography
The older brother of the Temptations' lead singer David Ruffin, Jimmy enjoyed several huge hits himself in the mid-'60s for Berry Gordy's Soul label. Ruffin first signed with another Motown subsidiary, the short-lived Miracle, in 1961, but it was his convincing vocal on "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" that made him a star in 1966. He encored with "I've Passed This Way Before" and "Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got." In 1970 he briefly teamed with David (by then a solo artist) as the Ruffin Brothers and cut a duet remake of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me." He staged an impressive comeback in 1980 on RSO Records with a major pop hit, "Hold on to My Love," produced by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. A stint living in England during the 1980s resulted in collaborations with Heaven 17 and Paul Weller, the latter for a benefit cover single of "Soul Deep." ~ Bill Dahl, Rovi
Top Tracks
Albums
Videos
Close