Rhythm and Blues Singer. He was the lead singer for the famed-influential Motown vocal group, "The Temptations." David Ruffin could not capitalize on his first solo singles for various labels, so he shared his private pain in The Temptations' biggest hits. He was born in Whynot, Mississippi, to a family who had a little musical group called "The Spiritual Living Four." Ruffin's relationship with The Temptations was a stormy one, but the marriage produced defining moments in 1960s soul, and his departure from the group in 1968 was one of the headlines of that year. The reaction of his solo recording "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" in 1969 suggested a solo star was born. The song was really a metaphor for his personal struggle for a life rich and full of meaning. While there were minor hits later, Ruffin was caught between various writers and producers, and except for "Walk Away From Love" in 1975, he never tapped his enormous potential again. In 1989, Ruffin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. Never at ease, tall with black-rimmed glasses and continued drug use, Ruffin was a loner who died of a drug overdose in 1991 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. To many other music artists, David Ruffin's musical influence is everlasting.
Rhythm and Blues Singer. He was the lead singer for the famed-influential Motown vocal group, "The Temptations." David Ruffin could not capitalize on his first solo singles for various labels, so he shared his private pain in The Temptations' biggest hits. He was born in Whynot, Mississippi, to a family who had a little musical group called "The Spiritual Living Four." Ruffin's relationship with The Temptations was a stormy one, but the marriage produced defining moments in 1960s soul, and his departure from the group in 1968 was one of the headlines of that year. The reaction of his solo recording "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" in 1969 suggested a solo star was born. The song was really a metaphor for his personal struggle for a life rich and full of meaning. While there were minor hits later, Ruffin was caught between various writers and producers, and except for "Walk Away From Love" in 1975, he never tapped his enormous potential again. In 1989, Ruffin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. Never at ease, tall with black-rimmed glasses and continued drug use, Ruffin was a loner who died of a drug overdose in 1991 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. To many other music artists, David Ruffin's musical influence is everlasting.
Bio by: Curtis Jackson
Inscription
Beloved Father and Grandfather
One of the World's Greatest Entertainers
His Lyrics and Singing Touched the Hearts of Many
Memories Cherished By Cheryl, Nedra, Kimberly, David Jr. And Grandchildren
We Love You
In God's Care
Family Members
Children
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See more Ruffin memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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