skankdelvar Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 Singer Jimmy Ruffin just passed away having been seriously ill for some time and resident for the last few months in a Las Vegas ICU. The less famous brother of Temptations singer David Ruffin, Jimmy nevertheless made his mark with one of Motown's most achingly beautiful singles. He subsequent enjoyed modest success and devoted the last twenty years of his life to anti-drug advocacy in the wake of his brother's death from an overdose in 1991. Ruffin had been working on a new album for some time which remains unreleased. Anyway, here's the big one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQU4sIn96M4 Quote
timmo Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 Such a shame. I am a big fan of the Motown stable. Quote
casapete Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 Few years ago the agency my function band were signed to approached us to see if we were up for doing some UK dates as the band for a US singer, as we had a 3 piece brass section. It never came off, but I found out later it was for Jimmy Ruffin. I would have done it for nothing just to play the great bassline in 'What becomes of the brokenhearted' every night. A very sad loss. RIP Quote
KiOgon Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 1965 was it! I remember learning the bass line for that, must have played the single a thousand times over. RIP Jimmy, a sad loss. Quote
blue Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 Whiter Shade Of Pale and What Become Of The Broken Hearted. Both in my top 5. Blue Quote
taunton-hobbit Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 Had the pleasure and privilege of working with Jimmy on the same bill back in the sixties, as 'brokenhearted' began to break over here. A solid artist, quiet and professional, he will always retain a special place in my memories. RIP. Quote
spacey Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 The effect Gospel influenced vocals had on Motown is often over looked. You only have to hear this to realise where these great vocalists cut their trade. Quote
lurksalot Posted November 20, 2014 Posted November 20, 2014 My fave Motown track , while a bit young to know its release , my elder sister had Motown albums and I recall this on a compilation album that I played to death after an experience of unrequited love in the 3rd year at school As I am so familiar with the song and the name I was quite surprised that he wasn't far more proliferous. RIP Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.