Jimmy Ruffin
Jimmy Lee Ruffin, born on May 7, 1936, in Collinsville, Mississippi, was an American soul singer renowned for his emotive vocal style. He was the older brother of David Ruffin, the lead singer of the Temptations. Growing up in a musical family, Ruffin began his singing career with a gospel group, the Dixie Nightingales. In 1961, he joined Motown as a session singer and recorded singles for its Miracle label before serving in the Army.
After his military service, Ruffin returned to Motown and was offered a position with the Temptations, which he declined in favor of his brother David. Instead, he pursued a solo career and signed with Motown's Soul label. His breakthrough came in 1966 with the hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his signature song.
Ruffin enjoyed further success in the UK with hits like "Farewell Is a Lonely Sound" and "I'll Say Forever My Love." In 1970, he collaborated with his brother David on the album "I Am My Brother's Keeper." Despite challenges in maintaining his popularity in the U.S., Ruffin found a receptive audience in the UK, where he was voted one of the world's top singers in a British poll.
In 1980, he experienced a resurgence with the hit "Hold On (To My Love)," produced by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. Ruffin continued to record and perform, releasing several albums and collaborating with artists like Brenda Holloway. He passed away on November 17, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy defined by his soulful voice and enduring hits.
App
