David Ruffin was an American soul singer and musician, best known as the lead vocalist for The Temptations during the 1960s and early 1970s. Born on January 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi, Ruffin’s powerful and emotive voice made him one of the most recognizable voices in soul music.
Ruffin rose to fame as a member of The Temptations, joining the group in 1964 as a replacement for Elbridge “Al” Bryant. With Ruffin as their lead singer, The Temptations achieved widespread success with hits such as “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “I Wish It Would Rain.” Ruffin’s charismatic stage presence and soulful delivery played a significant role in the group’s rise to prominence and their evolution into one of Motown’s most successful acts.
In 1969, Ruffin left The Temptations to pursue a solo career. He scored several solo hits, including “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” and “Walk Away from Love.” Ruffin’s solo work showcased his distinctive voice and versatile singing style, earning him acclaim as a solo artist.
Despite his success, Ruffin struggled with personal demons throughout his life, including drug addiction and legal troubles. He tragically passed away on June 1, 1991, at the age of 50.
David Ruffin’s legacy as a soul music pioneer and one of the greatest vocalists of his generation continues to be celebrated to this day. His contributions to The Temptations and his solo career have left an indelible mark on the world of music, inspiring countless artists and fans with his soul-stirring performances and timeless recordings.
1. My Girl
“My Girl” is a timeless soul classic performed by The Temptations, with David Ruffin as the lead vocalist. Released in 1964, the song became one of the group’s most iconic hits and a defining song of the Motown era.
Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles, “My Girl” features heartfelt lyrics expressing love and devotion to a special someone. The narrator expresses his affection and admiration for his partner, describing her as his “sunshine” and declaring that “my girl” makes him feel like the luckiest person in the world.
With its catchy melody, smooth harmonies, and irresistible groove, “My Girl” captured the hearts of listeners around the world. David Ruffin’s soulful and emotive lead vocals, combined with the impeccable harmonies of The Temptations, elevated the song to iconic status.
“My Girl” topped the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming The Temptations’ first number-one hit. It also earned widespread critical acclaim and has since been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time.
The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its place in music history, with its timeless appeal transcending generations. “My Girl” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its timeless melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the soulful performance of David Ruffin and The Temptations.
2. Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” is a soul music song written by Norman Whitfield and Eddie Holland Jr. It was originally recorded by The Temptations, with David Ruffin as the lead vocalist, in 1966. The song was released as a single and became one of The Temptations’ signature songs, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart.
The song “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” is known for its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and passionate vocals. The lyrics express a man’s willingness to do whatever it takes to win back the love of his significant other. Despite his pride and ego, he humbly declares that he is “ain’t too proud to beg” for another chance at love.
David Ruffin’s powerful and soulful vocals are a highlight of the song, capturing the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics. His impassioned delivery helped to make “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” one of The Temptations’ most popular and enduring hits.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a classic in the soul music genre. Its infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless favorite for fans of R&B and soul music.
3. I Wish It Would Rain
“I Wish It Would Rain” is a soulful ballad performed by The Temptations, featuring David Ruffin as the lead vocalist. Released in 1967, the song became one of the group’s most beloved hits and a staple of their repertoire.
Written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Rodger Penzabene, “I Wish It Would Rain” tells the story of heartbreak and longing. The narrator expresses his anguish over the end of a relationship, wishing for rain to disguise his tears and provide solace for his broken heart. The rain becomes a metaphor for his sadness and emotional turmoil, reflecting his inner turmoil and despair.
With its poignant lyrics, emotive vocals, and lush orchestration, “I Wish It Would Rain” is a masterclass in soulful storytelling. David Ruffin’s powerful and impassioned delivery brings the song to life, conveying the raw emotion and vulnerability of the narrator’s plight.
“I Wish It Would Rain” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s universal themes of heartache and loss resonated with listeners, making it one of The Temptations’ most enduring and impactful songs.
Decades after its release, “I Wish It Would Rain” remains a classic soul ballad, cherished for its timeless beauty, emotional depth, and the soul-stirring performance of David Ruffin and The Temptations.
4. Walk Away From Love
“Walk Away From Love” is a soulful ballad performed by David Ruffin, released in 1975. The song became one of Ruffin’s signature tunes and a standout track in his solo career.
Written by Charles Kipps and produced by Van McCoy, “Walk Away From Love” showcases Ruffin’s emotive vocals and powerful delivery. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who finds himself in a troubled relationship, realizing that he must let go and walk away from the love that has brought him pain and heartache. Despite the difficulty of the decision, he knows that it’s the only way to find peace and move forward with his life.
With its soulful melody, lush orchestration, and heartfelt lyrics, “Walk Away From Love” resonated with audiences and became a commercial success. The song reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossed over to the pop charts, solidifying Ruffin’s reputation as a solo artist.
“Walk Away From Love” remains one of David Ruffin’s most enduring and beloved songs, cherished for its timeless appeal and emotional depth. Ruffin’s soul-stirring performance and the song’s universal themes of heartbreak and resilience continue to captivate listeners, making it a classic of 1970s soul music.
5. I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)
“I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” is a soul song performed by The Temptations, with David Ruffin as the lead vocalist. It was released in 1968 as part of their album “The Temptations Wish It Would Rain.” The song was written by Roger Penzabene, Barrett Strong, and Norman Whitfield.
The lyrics of “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” express the deep love and devotion of the narrator to their romantic partner. They declare that after experiencing the love of their significant other, they could never imagine loving anyone else. The song reflects themes of commitment, loyalty, and the intensity of romantic love.
David Ruffin’s soulful and emotive vocals are a highlight of the song, capturing the depth of emotion conveyed in the lyrics. His passionate delivery adds to the song’s impact, making it one of The Temptations’ standout performances.
“I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” became a hit for The Temptations, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 5 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. It remains a beloved classic in the soul music genre and a testament to the enduring talent of The Temptations and David Ruffin.
6. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is a soul song originally recorded by Jimmy Ruffin in 1966. Written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, the song became one of Ruffin’s most successful and enduring hits.
The lyrics of “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” explore the pain and heartache of a broken relationship. The narrator reflects on the aftermath of a breakup, expressing feelings of sadness, loneliness, and despair. Despite their efforts to move on, they find themselves unable to escape the pain of lost love.
Jimmy Ruffin’s soulful and emotive vocals are a defining feature of the song, conveying the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics. His powerful delivery, coupled with the song’s poignant melody and arrangement, struck a chord with listeners and helped to make it a classic in the soul music genre.
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” became a major hit for Jimmy Ruffin, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 5 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. It remains one of Ruffin’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and heartbreak.
7. I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved
“I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved” is a soulful ballad performed by David Ruffin, released in 1973. The song, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, showcases Ruffin’s emotive vocals and heartfelt delivery.
In “I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved,” Ruffin sings about the pain and heartache of losing everything dear to him. The lyrics depict a man who has endured countless trials and tribulations, facing setbacks and disappointments that have left him broken and alone. Despite his hardships, he finds solace in music, using it as a form of catharsis to express his emotions and cope with his losses.
With its soulful melody, poignant lyrics, and Ruffin’s impassioned performance, “I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved” resonated with listeners and became one of the standout tracks of Ruffin’s solo career. The song’s themes of resilience and perseverance struck a chord with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and commercial success.
“I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved” remains a testament to Ruffin’s talent as a soul singer and his ability to convey raw emotion through his music. The song’s timeless appeal and universal themes continue to resonate with listeners, making it a cherished classic in the genre of soul music.
8. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
“My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” is a soul song recorded by American singer David Ruffin, released in 1969. The song was written by Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, Pam Sawyer, and James Roach.
The lyrics of “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” express the devastation and heartbreak experienced by the narrator after the end of a relationship. The song’s protagonist describes how their entire world came crashing down the moment their partner left, leaving them feeling lost, alone, and unable to cope with the pain of their absence.
David Ruffin’s powerful and emotive vocals are a standout feature of the song, conveying the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics. His soulful delivery captures the depth of despair and anguish experienced by the narrator, making the song a poignant and moving portrayal of lost love.
“My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” became one of David Ruffin’s most successful solo singles, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 5 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. It remains a classic in the soul music genre, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics, soul-stirring vocals, and timeless appeal.
9. Statue of a Fool
“Statue of a Fool” is a classic country song originally performed by Jack Greene, released in 1969. The song was written by Jan Crutchfield and became one of Greene’s most successful hits, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
In “Statue of a Fool,” the narrator reflects on the foolishness of his past actions, likening himself to a statue made of stone with a heart that’s “cold, hard, and alone.” He acknowledges the mistakes he’s made and the pain he’s caused others, realizing that he’s been blinded by pride and ego. Despite his regrets, he finds himself unable to change or escape the consequences of his actions, feeling trapped in his own folly.
With its heartfelt lyrics, poignant melody, and Greene’s soulful delivery, “Statue of a Fool” struck a chord with audiences and became a classic of the country music genre. The song’s themes of regret, redemption, and the human condition resonate with listeners, making it a timeless favorite among country music fans.
“Statue of a Fool” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its status as a beloved standard in the country music repertoire. Its enduring popularity and universal appeal ensure that it will continue to be cherished by generations of music lovers for years to come.
10. Rainy Night in Georgia
“Rainy Night in Georgia” is a soul song originally written by Tony Joe White and first recorded by him in 1969. However, it is most famously associated with the rendition by R&B and soul singer Brook Benton, released in 1970. Benton’s version became a major hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.
The song “Rainy Night in Georgia” captures the mood of a lonely and introspective night, with the narrator reflecting on life’s struggles and the feeling of longing for someone special. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as the protagonist contemplates lost love and the challenges of finding solace in a rainy night.
Brook Benton’s smooth and soulful vocals are a defining feature of the song, conveying the emotion and depth of the lyrics. His heartfelt delivery, coupled with the song’s haunting melody and arrangement, struck a chord with listeners and helped to make it a timeless classic in the soul music genre.
“Rainy Night in Georgia” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has remained a favorite among fans of R&B and soul music. Its evocative lyrics, soulful vocals, and atmospheric vibe continue to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved standard in the music repertoire.