David Ruffin (January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer and one of the lead singers of the legendary Motown group The Temptations. Born Davis Eli Ruffin in Whynot, Mississippi, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1960s, where he became a part of the city’s vibrant music scene.
Ruffin joined The Temptations in 1964, replacing Elbridge “Al” Bryant as the lead singer. His charismatic and distinctive voice, characterized by its gritty and emotive quality, quickly became a defining element of the group’s sound. Some of The Temptations’ most famous hits featuring Ruffin include “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”
Despite his success with The Temptations, Ruffin left the group in 1968 to pursue a solo career. His solo endeavors produced hits such as “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” and “Walk Away from Love.” Ruffin’s personal life was marked by struggles with drug addiction and legal issues, which ultimately contributed to the challenges in his career.
David Ruffin’s influence on soul music, particularly through his work with The Temptations, is enduring. His powerful and emotionally charged performances continue to be celebrated, and his contributions to the Motown sound remain an integral part of the genre’s legacy. Ruffin was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations in 1989.
1. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
“My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” is a soulful ballad and one of the standout songs in David Ruffin’s solo career. Released in 1969, the song marked Ruffin’s first major hit after leaving The Temptations to pursue his solo endeavors.
Written by Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, James Roach, and Pam Sawyer, the song’s title captures the essence of its heartbreaking lyrics. Ruffin’s powerful and emotive vocals convey the deep pain and sorrow of a love lost. The orchestral arrangement and the soulful production complement Ruffin’s delivery, adding to the emotional impact of the song.
“My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” became a significant success for Ruffin, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning him critical acclaim. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Ruffin’s ability to convey intense emotions through his singing.
The success of this single helped establish David Ruffin as a formidable solo artist and showcased his capacity to interpret soulful ballads with sincerity and conviction. The song remains a classic example of the soul genre, and Ruffin’s performance continues to be celebrated by fans of Motown and soul music.
2. Walk Away from Love
“Walk Away from Love” is another notable song in David Ruffin’s solo career. Released in 1975, the song was written by Charles Kipps and is considered one of Ruffin’s signature tracks.
“Walk Away from Love” is a soulful ballad that explores the theme of heartbreak and the difficulty of ending a relationship. The song’s lyrics convey the pain of realizing that a romantic connection has come to an end and the challenge of walking away from someone you once loved. Ruffin’s emotionally charged vocals bring depth and sincerity to the narrative.
The song’s production features a lush arrangement with orchestral elements, contributing to its classic soul sound. “Walk Away from Love” became a major hit for Ruffin, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and making a significant impact on the charts overall.
David Ruffin’s performance on “Walk Away from Love” showcased his ability to interpret poignant ballads with a soulful and expressive delivery. The song remains a beloved classic in the soul genre and is often cited as one of the standout moments in Ruffin’s solo career.
3. I Want You Back
“I Want You Back” is a classic soul and pop song that marked the debut of The Jackson 5 and the beginning of Michael Jackson’s illustrious career. Released in 1969 under the Motown label, the song was written and produced by the Corporation, a team of Motown songwriters and producers.
“I Want You Back” is an energetic and infectious track that showcases the youthful exuberance and vocal prowess of a young Michael Jackson. The song’s lyrics convey a plea for reconciliation and express the regret of a person who realizes they made a mistake by ending a relationship.
The Jackson 5’s rendition of “I Want You Back” was an immediate success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It marked the first of four consecutive number-one hits for the group, including “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.”
The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, becoming a pop and soul classic. Michael Jackson’s dynamic and soulful performance on “I Want You Back” foreshadowed his future success as a solo artist, making the song a pivotal moment in the history of Motown and pop music.
4. Each Day Is a Lifetime
“Each Day Is a Lifetime” is a song by The Jackson 5, released in 1975 as part of their album “Moving Violation.” The album marked the group’s final studio release under Motown Records. “Each Day Is a Lifetime” is notable for its smooth and soulful sound, characteristic of the group’s later work.
In this ballad, the lyrics convey a sense of yearning and longing for a lost love. The narrator expresses the deep emotional impact of the separation and the pain of facing each day without the person they love. The slow tempo, combined with the Jackson 5’s harmonies, adds a heartfelt dimension to the song.
“Each Day Is a Lifetime” may not be as widely recognized as some of The Jackson 5’s earlier hits, but it showcases the group’s ability to evolve and explore different musical styles. The song reflects the changing landscape of their career as they moved into the mid-1970s and departed from their more bubblegum pop sound of the late 1960s.
While “Each Day Is a Lifetime” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their earlier hits, it remains a part of The Jackson 5’s discography and demonstrates their versatility as artists capable of interpreting a range of emotions through their music.
5. Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got
“Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got” is a soulful and emotionally charged song that has been performed by various artists, including Jimmy Ruffin and Marvin Gaye. The song was co-written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
Jimmy Ruffin’s rendition of “Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got” was released as a single in 1966. Ruffin, the elder brother of David Ruffin from The Temptations, brought his own unique style and vocal delivery to the song. His version became a hit on the R&B charts.
Marvin Gaye also recorded a notable version of the song, which was included on his 1969 album “M.P.G.” Marvin Gaye’s interpretation features his signature smooth and soulful vocal style, creating a more intimate and emotive atmosphere.
The lyrics of the song express a determination to love and cherish someone with all the passion and dedication one can muster. The soulful melodies and poignant lyrics contribute to the song’s enduring appeal.
Both versions of “Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got” showcase the depth and versatility of the artists involved, making it a classic in the soul music genre. The song has been covered by other artists over the years, further emphasizing its lasting impact.
6. I’ve Got to Find Myself a Brand New Baby
“I’ve Got to Find Myself a Brand New Baby” is a soul song performed by David Ruffin, the former lead singer of The Temptations. The song was released as a single in 1969, marking one of Ruffin’s solo efforts after leaving the group.
Written by Johnny Bristol and Jackey Beavers, the song features Ruffin’s soulful and emotive vocals, expressing the narrator’s determination to move on and find a new love after a breakup. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and optimism as Ruffin sings about the need to find a fresh start with someone new.
“I’ve Got to Find Myself a Brand New Baby” showcases Ruffin’s ability to infuse soul and emotion into his performances, maintaining the stylistic elements that made him a distinctive voice in the Motown era. The song didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of his other solo hits, but it remains appreciated by fans for its classic soul sound.
David Ruffin’s solo career, although marked by its ups and downs, produced several notable tracks, and “I’ve Got to Find Myself a Brand New Baby” is recognized as one of the gems in his solo repertoire.
7. Everything’s Coming Up Love
“Everything’s Coming Up Love” is a soulful song recorded by David Ruffin. The track was released in 1976 as part of his album of the same name. This album marked a later period in Ruffin’s career, and “Everything’s Coming Up Love” showcases a blend of soul and disco influences that were prevalent in the mid-1970s.
The song, written by Michael D’Abo and Tony Macaulay, features Ruffin’s powerful and distinctive vocals against a backdrop of lively instrumentation. The lyrics convey a message of hope and optimism, with the idea that love is on the horizon and things are looking up.
While the disco era brought about changes in musical styles, Ruffin’s ability to infuse soul into the track remained evident. “Everything’s Coming Up Love” may not be as widely remembered as some of his earlier hits, but it reflects the evolving sounds of the time and Ruffin’s willingness to explore different musical avenues.
David Ruffin’s contribution to soul music remains influential, and “Everything’s Coming Up Love” is an interesting example of his work during a period when the music industry was undergoing significant changes in style and production.
8. Heavy Love
“Heavy Love” is a song by David Ruffin, released in 1980 as part of his album of the same name. This album represented a later stage in Ruffin’s career, and “Heavy Love” showcases his continued ability to deliver soulful performances even as musical styles were evolving.
The title track, “Heavy Love,” is characterized by its smooth and contemporary R&B sound, reflecting the influence of the era in which it was recorded. The song features Ruffin’s soulful vocals and touches on themes of romance and the weightiness of deep emotions.
While the album “Heavy Love” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Ruffin’s earlier works, it stands as a testament to his enduring talent and ability to adapt to evolving musical landscapes.
David Ruffin’s legacy in soul music remains significant, and “Heavy Love” is a representation of his artistry during a time when the industry was embracing new sounds. The song, like much of Ruffin’s work, demonstrates his ability to convey emotion and tell a story through his distinctive voice.
9. Statue of a Fool
“Statue of a Fool” is a classic country song that has been recorded by various artists, but it is perhaps most famously associated with Jack Greene. The song was written by Jan Crutchfield and was first recorded by Brian Collins in 1969. However, it was Jack Greene’s rendition that became widely popular.
Released in 1969, Jack Greene’s version of “Statue of a Fool” became a significant hit on the country charts. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who has been made a fool in love, comparing themselves to a statue that everyone can see but no one really knows the true emotions within.
The poignant and emotive delivery of the lyrics, coupled with Greene’s smooth and expressive vocals, contributed to the song’s success. “Statue of a Fool” resonated with country music audiences and remains a classic example of the genre.
Over the years, “Statue of a Fool” has been covered by various artists, further solidifying its status as a timeless country song. The emotional depth and relatability of the lyrics continue to make it a favorite among fans of classic country music.
10. Common Man
“Common Man” is a country song that became a hit for American country artist John Conlee. It was released in 1983 as the title track of Conlee’s album “Common Man.” The song was written by Sam Hogin and Chris Waters.
The lyrics of “Common Man” celebrate the virtues and simplicity of everyday life, portraying the relatable experiences of the common working-class individual. The song’s protagonist takes pride in being an ordinary person, finding joy in the routine aspects of life, and cherishing the values of hard work and humility.
John Conlee’s delivery of the song, with his warm and distinctive voice, resonated with country music fans. “Common Man” became one of Conlee’s biggest hits, reaching the top of the country charts. Its success is attributed to its relatable lyrics and Conlee’s authentic performance.
“Common Man” remains a classic in country music, appreciated for its celebration of the ordinary and the values that define the lives of many. The song captures the essence of working-class pride and has endured as a favorite in the country music genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
