Rosemary Clooney
American singer and actress (1928-2002)
David Ruffin, a legendary American soul singer, was one of the lead vocalists of the iconic Motown group, The Temptations, during their “Classic Five” era. He was known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, and his solo work also found success, with two top-ten singles. Ruffin was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.
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About the David Ruffin
David Ruffinwas an American soul singer most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of the Temptationsduring the group’s “Classic Five” period as it was later known. Ruffin was the lead voice on such famous songs as “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” He later scored two top-ten singles as a solo artist, “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” and “Walk Away from Love.”
Known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008 and again in 2023. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with the Temptations. Fellow Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye once said admiringly of Ruffin that, “I heard [in his voice] a strength my own voice lacked.”
Frequently Asked Questions
David Ruffin was an American soul singer most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of the Temptations from 1964 to 1968 during the group’s ‘Classic Five’ period.
David Ruffin was the lead voice on such famous Temptations songs as ‘My Girl’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.’ He later scored two top-ten singles as a solo artist, ‘My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)’ and ‘Walk Away from Love.’
David Ruffin was known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, which were described by fellow Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye as having a ‘strength [his] own voice lacked.’
David Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008 and again in 2023. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with the Temptations.
David Ruffin was born on January 18, 1941 as Davis Eli Ruffin.
David Ruffin passed away on June 1, 1991.
4 Quotes by David Ruffin
- 1.
I never knew that I’d still be doing this so many years later.
David RuffinAmerican singer (1941-1991)
- 2.
We should not clap our hands and mourn, for he is out of trouble. You are still in it.
David RuffinAmerican singer (1941-1991)
- 3.
We’re entertainers, not just singers!
David RuffinAmerican singer (1941-1991)
- 4.
I knew I always wanted to sing.
David RuffinAmerican singer (1941-1991)