David Ruffin: Biography

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• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

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• Stevie Wonder
• Marvin Gaye
• Eddie Kendricks
• Jimmy Ruffin
• The Spinners
• Smokey Robinson
• Van McCoy

• Pat Brown
• The Temptations

• The Ruffin Brothers
• The Temptations

• Harvey Fuqua
• James Roach
• Norman Whitfield
• Pam Sawyer
• Johnny Bristol

• The Temptations
• The Voice Masters

• Dennis Edwards
• Berry Gordy, Jr.

Born:

Jan 18, 1941 in Whynot, MS

Died:

Jun 1, 1991 in Philadelphia, PA

Genres:

R&B and Soul Music, Funk Music, Motown Music, Rock Music

Decades Active:

1960's|1970's|1980's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

One of the greatest lead singers the Motown stable ever had, David Ruffin became one of the artistic cornerstones of the Temptations after his lead vocal on "My Girl" (1965) paved the way for such majestic follow-ups as "Since I Lost My Baby" (1965), "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" (1966), "All I Need" (1967), and "I Wish It Would Rain" (1968). Unfortunately, ever-mounting internal pressures within the group, coupled with Ruffin's swelling ego, led to his dismissal from the group in late 1968. His solo career got off to a promising start with the powerful ballad "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)," which cracked the pop and soul Top Ten in early 1969. His last hit to reach the Top Ten was the Van McCoy-produced dance ballad "Walk Away From Love," from 1976. After leaving Motown in 1977, Ruffin recorded for Warner Brothers and later for RCA accompanied by Eddie Kendricks. Unfortunately, Ruffin's career, marred by years of substance abuse and artistic indifference, culminated in his death from a drug overdose in 1991.

- John Lowe, All Music Guide