David Ruffin’s unmistakable voice was the soul of Motown’s golden era, and his legacy as one of the most powerful and emotive vocalists in music history remains undeniable. Whether leading The Temptations to superstardom or captivating listeners as a solo artist, Ruffin’s raw emotion, grit, and magnetic presence made every song he touched unforgettable. From the upbeat, heart-pounding hits that defined The Temptations’ sound to the soulful ballads of heartbreak in his solo career, Ruffin had an unmatched ability to make listeners feel every note. His voice was both a cry for love and a celebration of life’s highs and lows, giving Motown some of its most enduring classics. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the top 10 most popular David Ruffin songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that not only topped the charts but also touched the hearts of millions. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Ruffin’s music, these songs showcase the undeniable impact he had on soul, R&B, and pop music. Prepare to dive into the timeless melodies and powerful vocals that continue to inspire generations.
1. My Girl (1964)
Few songs in the history of Motown are as iconic as The Temptations’ “My Girl,” released in 1964. With David Ruffin’s rich, soulful voice leading the way, this love ballad instantly captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, “My Girl” is an ode to the feeling of pure joy and affection for that special someone. Ruffin’s smooth delivery, paired with the catchy bassline and signature Motown orchestration, made this song a timeless hit. It became the group’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Ruffin as a star. His passionate, heartfelt delivery made this track an anthem of love and devotion that still resonates today.
2. Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (1966)
Released in 1966, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” is a plea for love that only David Ruffin could make sound both desperate and dignified. With his raspy, powerful voice, Ruffin delivered each line with raw emotion that made you feel the urgency of the lyrics. Written by Norman Whitfield and Eddie Holland, this song became a signature hit for The Temptations, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s infectious groove and Ruffin’s commanding vocal presence made it a staple of The Temptations’ live performances. It’s a brassy, bold declaration that no one could beg for love quite like Ruffin.
3. I Wish It Would Rain (1967)
Released in late 1967, “I Wish It Would Rain” is one of the most heartbreaking songs in The Temptations’ catalog, and David Ruffin’s soulful vocals take the listener to the depths of sorrow. Written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Roger Penzabene, the song was inspired by personal grief, and Ruffin’s voice perfectly captures the pain of a man desperately seeking to hide his tears in the rain. The melancholic string arrangement and the slow, deliberate rhythm create a haunting backdrop for Ruffin’s anguish-filled plea. The song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying it as one of The Temptations’ most memorable ballads.
4. Walk Away from Love (1975)
David Ruffin’s 1975 solo hit “Walk Away from Love” showed that his powerful voice could carry a song just as well on its own as it did with The Temptations. This disco-infused track, written by Charles Kipps, was a huge success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song tells the story of a man who must walk away from a relationship to save himself from further heartbreak. Ruffin’s voice soars effortlessly over the danceable groove, showing his versatility in adapting to the emerging disco sound of the mid-1970s. The mix of heartache and rhythm made it a favorite on both dance floors and radio stations.
5. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) (1969)
David Ruffin’s debut solo single after leaving The Temptations, “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” captured the pain of loss with stunning emotional depth. Released in early 1969, the song was an immediate hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Pam Sawyer, and James Roach, the song features Ruffin’s voice at its most vulnerable and powerful. The track’s lush orchestration contrasts with the sorrowful lyrics, making Ruffin’s cries of heartbreak all the more poignant. His ability to convey both strength and fragility in one song made this a standout in his solo career.
6. Since I Lost My Baby (1965)
“Since I Lost My Baby,” released in 1965, is a soulful masterpiece that perfectly captures the despair of lost love. David Ruffin’s smooth, plaintive vocals shine as he sings of the emptiness he feels after losing his lover. Written by Smokey Robinson and Warren Moore, the song’s relaxed, mid-tempo rhythm allows Ruffin’s vocal performance to take center stage. The combination of lush harmonies from The Temptations and Ruffin’s heartfelt lead makes this track an unforgettable addition to Motown’s catalog. The song didn’t achieve the same chart success as some of their other hits, but it remains a fan favorite thanks to Ruffin’s emotional delivery.
7. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep (1966)
In the summer of 1966, The Temptations released “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” a track that brought David Ruffin’s voice to the forefront once again. Written by Norman Whitfield and Eddie Holland, the song emphasized the importance of inner beauty over physical appearance. While the lyrics offer a message of substance over style, Ruffin’s dynamic vocal performance is what truly makes the song stand out. The song hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the group’s biggest hits. Ruffin’s ability to inject sincerity and soul into this upbeat, toe-tapping track made it a timeless classic.
8. (I Know) I’m Losing You (1966)
Released in late 1966, “(I Know) I’m Losing You” is a raw, emotional rollercoaster of a song. With its gritty guitar riffs and pounding rhythm, the track was a departure from The Temptations’ smoother hits. David Ruffin’s commanding voice takes center stage as he delivers the lyrics with an intensity that feels almost primal. Written by Norman Whitfield, Eddie Holland, and Cornelius Grant, the song’s theme of impending heartbreak is amplified by Ruffin’s passionate performance. The song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of The Temptations’ most enduring hits. Ruffin’s delivery makes this song feel visceral and urgent.
9. Don’t Look Back (1965)
Though Paul Williams takes the lead on “Don’t Look Back,” released in 1965, David Ruffin’s harmonies and presence are integral to the song’s success. This track, written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, was a smooth, mid-tempo number about moving forward and not dwelling on the past. The song wasn’t a major chart hit at the time, but it has since become a beloved classic, often performed by the group in concerts. Ruffin’s subtle contributions to the song help elevate it, showcasing the group’s vocal chemistry and Motown’s signature sound.
10. Statue of a Fool (1975)
In 1975, David Ruffin recorded one of his most emotionally potent solo songs, “Statue of a Fool.” Written by Jan Crutchfield, the song tells the sorrowful tale of a man who regrets his mistakes in love, and Ruffin’s voice brings the lyrics to life with heart-wrenching sincerity. His delivery is both powerful and vulnerable, as he sings about being a “statue of a fool” for losing the love of his life. The song didn’t reach the same chart heights as some of his other hits, but it remains a favorite among Ruffin’s fans for its poignant lyrics and his deeply felt performance.