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David Ruffin

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8.2 Great
2 votes

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Biography

Recent Role:
Guest on Soul Train
Gender:
Male
Born:
1-18-1941
Died:
6-1-1991 (cocaine overdose)
Birthplace:
Whyknot, Mississippi
Birth Name:
Davis Eli Ruffin
David Ruffin was born on Jan. 18, 1941 in Whyknot, Miss. A small town outside of Meridian, Miss. He was the younger brother of Jimmy Ruffin who in 1960 had a hit song with "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted". David was in a gospel group as a boy "The Dixie Hummingbirds", and moved to Detroit to further his singing career. He was signed to Vega, and "Anna Records" before finally getting signed to "Motown Records" in 1963. David was soon signed to a band of Motown that had no hits, The Temptations in 1964. At the end of that year Motown legends, Smokey Robinson told David he had a song for… More him, They record it and released it a few days before x-mas. That little song turned out to be a #1 hit ... The song? "My Girl" ... The voice? David Ruffin, David gave the Temptations multiple hits such as: "I Wish It Would Rain","Ain't To Proud To Beg", AND "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep". But in 1969, David was fired. He was fired for wanting top billing and having a drug problem. Shortly after being fired David had a string of hits "My Whole World Ended", "I Want You Back", and "Statue Of A Fool" ... But in 1991 David would overdose on cocaine. His death made nation headlines. At his service the church was full and there was reportedly a line 2 blocks around the church, All for David. Motown artist preformed at David's funeral, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Rick James, ECT.
David has been married 2 times he has 5 kids, 4 girls, 1 boy

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    6.5 Fair
    The lead. hide show

    David Ruffin was a very good lead singer. In fact, he was a main reason for the Temptations success. In reality, the group wouldn't have been as big had they not included Ruffin as a lead part. The best songs that he was in tune for was "My Girl" and "Beauty is Only Skin Deep." I liked both of these songs had thought he was very much a talent. Drugs and a bad attitude was what made me sour on his personality. I know he might not have had a good childhood, so that might be it. Overall, he was a good singer. Thank you.

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    cactusjack39 Added Aug 18, 2009 All my reviews