Jimmy Ruffin
Jimmy Ruffin | |
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![]() Ruffin in 1967 | |
Background information | |
Born | Collinsville,Mississippi,United States | May 7, 1936
Died | November 17, 2014 Las Vegas,Nevada,United States | (aged 78)
Genres | Soul,R&B,pop |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 1956–present |
Labels | Motown Polydor RSO EMI |
Jimmy Lee Ruffin(May 7, 1936 – November 17, 2014) was anAmericansoulmusician.He was the older brother ofDavid RuffinfromThe Temptations.Ruffin has had many records between the 1960s and 1980s. His most successful single is "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted".
Life and career
[change|change source]He was born on May 7, 1936 inCollinsville,Mississippi.His brother was born 2 years later. He first started singing with thegospelgroup, mostly on sessions but he also recorded singles for Miracle label. Ruffin was then drafted for national service.[1]After he left the Army in 1964, Ruffin returned to Motown and was offered the opportunity to join theTemptationsto replaceElbridge Bryant.They instead hired Ruffin's brother David after hearing him. Jimmy decided to continue his solo career and recorded for the Soul label, but he didn't have much success.[1]
In 1966, after hearing a song about unrequited love written forThe Spinners,he persuaded the writers that he should record it himself. Ruffin's recording of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted"became a major success. It was able to peak at #7 on theBillboardHot 100and #6 on the R&B Chart. It remains as his most well known song.
On October 17, 2014, it was reported that Ruffin was gravely ill and was taken into an intensive care unit in aLas Vegashospital.[2]Ruffin died on November 17, 2014 in Las Vegas, aged 78.[3]
References
[change|change source]- ↑1.01.1"Jimmy Ruffin: A Biography".Mississippi Writers and Musicians. Archived fromthe originalon 2016-03-05.Retrieved2014-11-02.
- ↑"Motown Legend Jimmy Ruffin In Intensive Care In Vegas Hospital".Noise11. 17 October 2014.Retrieved2014-11-02.
- ↑"Motown singer Jimmy Ruffin dies at 78".USA Today.