Jimmy Ruffin (born 7 May 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi; died 17 Novembe… Read Full Bio ↴Jimmy Ruffin (born 7 May 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi; died 17 November 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada) was an American soul singer. His 1966 hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" was a major success and his most well-known song. He was offered a chance to sing with The Temptations, but he politely declined in favor of his younger brother, David Ruffin (born 1941; died 1991).

After the success of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", the intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry Johnson.

With his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from The Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.

Jimmy Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".

In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Jimmy Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record.

In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to live in Britain, where he continued to perform successfully. In December 1984 he collaborated with Paul Weller of The Style Council for his benefit single "Soul Deep." This went under the name of The Council Collective.

Following the 2010 release of his album I Am My Brother's Keeper, Ruffin began writing and recording songs for a new album that was never issued.

In 2012, a compilation album entitled, "There Will Never Be Another You", including his hit songs "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted", and "Hold On To My Love" had been released.

In addition to his brother David Ruffin (deceased), Jimmy Ruffin had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).

A Love Like Yours
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics

Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
You don't have to tell me you've gone to found someone new.
'Cause I can feel his presence, whenever I'm-a-kissing you.
How can you ask me to try, try and understand
Well, just put yourself in my place.
Go on, just see if you can.
I'm-a begging you. (Don't, don't you let him)
Baby, please. (Don't let him, don't let him take your love from me)
I'm begging you, baby. (Don't, don't you let him)
Oh no. (Don't let him, don't let him take your love from me)

So what if he whispers how much he loves you in your ear.
But pay no mind 'cause I love you much more my dear
My love are like mountains.
That's how strong it is for you.
If you ever walk away in to his arms
Which will surely break my heart in two.
I'm begging you. (Don't, don't you let him)
Oh no. (Don't let him, don't let him take your love from me)
Baby, baby, I'm begging. (Don't, don't you let him)
No, no, no, no. (Don't let him, don't let him take your love from me)
Oh, I couldn't stand it, baby.

If you leave me for him you would truly be unfair.
Now, just ask yourself, whenever you needed me, wasn't I always there
Now, I'm begging you, baby, baby, down on my bended knees.
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, please stay here with me.
Baby, please. (Don't, don't you let him)
Oh no. (Don't let him, don't let him take your love from me)
Baby, baby, please. (Don't, don't you let him)
I couldn't stand it. (Don't let him, don't let him take your love from
me)
I ain't too proud to beg. (Don't, don't you let him)

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

@GerryPreece-sz6hh

49w↑18

Love this song my husband went away for a while he told me to listen to this song to remind me of him.sadly he passed away the words say all I need to hear.miss him so so much 💔💔💔💔💔

@martynrobinson9660

26w

Aww 😭my god!! take care XX

@debbiehalley2802

17w↑3

It’s 2023 and am 33 and it’s one my favourite songs ❤

@juliealleston9116

1y↑6

This was the time songs had so much meaning love motown. ❤

@martynrobinson9660

42w

Too right lady x

@deanboardman2342

33w↑5

My best motown record ever. What a talent and voice he puts his heart and soul Into every record. ❤️

@At_the_races

28w↑1

I was in prison and this was a constant reminder not to remain there.

@fabrielacevedoiloveitgrewu7932

38w↑4

Love it good memories

@johnbsmith

9y↑17

God Bless Jimmy & brother David we will never forget what incredible pleasure you gave us. Simply Awesome !

@liamwhitcombe1237

9y↑3

& STILL DO my friend, still do

@iancormack2916

8y↑3

with you there Liam

@lizhodgson3828

3y↑3

Fab 💃💃💃KTF

@paulerrington9413

18w

Get on that 2023 this song goes out to all them lonely I LOVE YA XXXXXXXXX

@paulerrington9413

28w↑3

Best music ever and nothing will beat it

@suesanartley1316

37w↑4

I love this song loved it then and still love it now

@martynrobinson9660

31w

👍😋

@tinadavies4195

1y↑3

Jimmy what a legend..what a singer.. love this man

@martynrobinson9660

46w

You're a women who knows best 👍♥️

@tinadavies4195

46w

@@martynrobinson9660 Jimmy over David..anytime🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@martynrobinson9660

46w↑1

@@tinadavies4195 lol x

@jerrytolley4473

47w↑3

Sweet soulful, JimmyRuffin no more needs to be said.

@bedpansniper

3y↑24

THE finest voice ever to record on the Motown label...fact!

@garymayfield5995

34w

What are you on

@deanboardman2342

33w↑1

Agree mate unbelievable record 👍

@deanboardman2342

33w

@@garymayfield5995 if u don't like this record you have no soul or heart or good taste in music 😤

@susanbaldwyn2623

2y↑4

Saw him at Rebecca' s nightclub in Brum in 1970 his performance blew me away

@grahamdavis2969

Great venue, saw some great acts their inc Jnr Walker, great days

@bennyclark4622

7y↑16

Back in 1970 I sang this through my cell bars on the last night STRAIGHT into the love of my life still together

@wayneslater4458

6y↑3

Benny Clark love that story mate.... x

@michaelbenton2416

1y↑3

In the sixties me

@preem7

4y↑6

Absolute Motown Brilliance!!

@michaelbenton2416

1y↑2

I remember listening to this song so many times when I was doing my 2 years down the river in the sixties

@christinehitchens904

41w↑2

BEAUTIFUL

@danielburns987

5y↑11

this song went to #29 on the pop charts in 1967!!!

@jonathanclary3992

2y↑2

Jimmy Ruffin was Voted World's Top Singer in the British Polls in (1970) three of his other Songs I'll say Forever my love, Farewell Is a lonely sound, and It's Wonderful to be Loved By you reached top 10 in the UK Charts

@spmoran4703

2y↑2

He visited my friend Anne Taylor when she had a tumour on the brain. Hes singing for Anne in the heavens now.

@billelliott3653

2y↑2

i used to sing this song when i got the train down to Manchester to go to the wheel great song

@leady7712

3y↑2

Short timer on the battle field. was best song i ever heard. I will never forget this song that's all i had.

@myrabritt9927

7y↑5

my sister that just passed away we love Jimmy Ruffin

@lizhodgson3828

💕💕💕💕

@mgmtrace1

3y↑12

Always been a favourite song of mine...sing it all the time. 👍🎵

@lorri1783

32w

One of the best love this .

@debbiedaly5696

3y↑5

Absolutely gorgeous ❤️👌

@stevenstewardson8613

2y↑1

oh yes Gaynor what a beautiful piece of Motown for sure does give me goosebumps fab upload 💯🎼🎹🎵🎶👏👏👏

@MrSteve3065

10y↑14

So far every Jimmy Ruffin song I've ever hear I like. "Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got" is just the latest example.

@jonathanclary3992

Jimmy's version of this Song was better than the Temptations version

@iantomlinson8685

3y↑9

Love this track, youth club disco how times change, now one of my all-nighter classics.

@themanftheworld8439

2y↑2

Great great track.

@ray4me

6y↑6

Another outstanding classic

@MrGracian49

9y↑28

Jimmy's best and one of the great soul tracks of all time

@langdonkellogg4390

3y↑11

Yes--Jimmy was a great solo. David was the Temptations lead--both were great in their own right!

@jonathanclary3992

2y↑2

David's last song was called hurt the one you love in (1991) and Jimmy's
Last song was called One in a Million in (2014)

@michaelstocks4231

7y↑11

Have not heard this for ages, but one of my first records I bought in the 60's Still a great tune!

@kenmortell4240

2y↑2

Played at the Tower Ballroom this weekend 1st May 2022-Keeping the Faith and Living the Dream!

@michaelstocks4231

6y↑17

This record was the first Jimmy Ruffin record I bought - played it over and over every night months with the sound turned down so my parents would not hear I was enjoying myself. - KTF from the UK

@lizhodgson3828

3y↑1

🐵🐵💃💃KTF

@nickflukes7893

8y↑39

grandson can sing from start to finish aint bad for an eight year old full of soul

@wayneslater9285

Your Grandson sounds like a big man that i’d get on with… congrats on your family… all the best mate.

@tyroneepps3018

3y↑4

This. Song is excellent !

@mickbrown8249

4y↑2

Saw live with full brass sections & others unforgettable @ 16 in Shropshire 16yrs old ..HAWKSTONE...KTF

@vancebeasley3946

6y↑9

Long before the joint, love or a broken heart this song foretold My future. "Young blood/old soul" they call it down home. I played this song to shreads. Jimmy You r Badass!!!

@langdonkellogg4390

5y↑2

Great and smooth.

@TyroneEpps

10w↑1

This o.v. is hot ❤ !

@trishmurphy7127

8y↑7

Love this beautiful angel voice wishi had heard it years ago just now discovering these songs

@dafbdirks

7y↑6

brilliant song

@MsAnitaj22

9y↑37

One remarkable singer Jimmy Ruffin...R.I.P.

@fredsmith1753

11y↑15

brilliant record always will be

@mickbrown8249

5y↑4

Only saw him live once @ Whitchurch civic but had lots of his UK records RIP ..KTF

@xfriendpendleton5359

Great Song.

@vancebeasley3946

6y↑2

Long before the joint, love or a broken heart this song foretold My future. "Young blood/old soul" they call it down home. I played this 45 to shreads. Jimmy You r Badass!!!

@mangel2019

9y↑9

Hadn't heard this song in 50 years. So sad to hear it today. Nov 17, 2014

@MegaJjohnston

2y↑1

One of the best 👌

@briancunningham7091

4y↑6

what is wrong with the17 people that did not like it

@jonathanclary3992

3y↑1

That's cause they don't know what their missing. This is one Jimmy Ruffin's Great songs

@dagr382

26w

They're deaf.

@davidallen5776

2y↑1

Jimmy basically owns this!

@arthurpearson8729

8y↑5

so so so good brings me back to teens

@temptress123

9y↑6

Another one of the greats gone ~ R.I.P.

@marysub1

10y↑8

love the ruffins and tempts,,great singers

@marydenise7429

8y↑6

Love this song

@pamelahewitt7606

9y↑6

love this song x

@roberttitmarsh7325

3y↑2

What a tune

@jamiewarriorwarlordmccallu5712

10y↑23

awesome timeless love song by the great jimmy ruffin i love this man's voice, so heartwarming this man one of the motown gems.

@garymayfield5995

34w

I GIVE IT TO PAUL ALL-DAY.....PERIOD

@jonathanclary3992

3y↑5

RIP Jimmy Ruffin (1936-2014)❤🎵
The UK'S Greatest Singer of all time

@scotfoxx

Jimmy Lee Ruffin (May 7, 1936 – November 17, 2014) was an American soul singer, and elder brother of David Ruffin of the Temptations.

@jonathanclary3992

@@scotfoxx Indeed He was An American Soul Singer but he wasn't Famous in America like his famous brother David he was Famous in the UK since (1970) Jimmy Ruffin was Voted World's Top Singer in the British Polls at the same time He had Three Top 10 Hit Songs from the Album Ruff N Ready that became popular in the UK Charts. Jimmy was mostly Famous for his Hit Song What Becomes of the Brokenhearted it became a Hit Between (1966) and again in (1974) around (1969) he did a duet with Singer Dusty Springfield called private number. Then Around (1970) He did another duet with His former Temptations brother David Ruffin and made the Album My Brother's Keeper at the same time Jimmy recorded his last Album with Motown called The Groove Governor then he lefted Motown and went to work for Polydor and Chess records where he teamed up with Producer Jimmy Roach at the same time Jimmy started Writing an Producing his own music like Mother's love, Boy from Mississippi, Love is all we need, Layin it down, Ain't that cold, and a bunch of other Songs unfortunately those songs never became Hits. Around (1974) Jimmy came out with a new Hit called Tell me what you want. Around (1977) Jimmy did another great Song for Epic records called Falling In Love With You it never became a Hit and it was disco music and it sounded so good. Around (1980) He met Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees and Blue Weaver they Wrote and Produced his Album Sunrise at the same Wrote and Produced the Hit Song Hold on to my love it Reached number 10# in the US charts and Reached number 7# in the UK Charts. He also did another duet with Singer Marcy Levy called Where do I go. Around (1982) Jimmy Was called to singing another duet with Singer Maxine Nightingale called Turn to me the Song Reached number 17# in the R&B Charts. Jimmy became so Successful in the UK by (1984) he Moved to the UK at the same time he teamed up with Paul Weller of the Council Collective and sang the song Soul deep and helped Paul raise money for the UK miners. The same year Jimmy did another duet with Singer Jackson Moore called I'm going to love Forever it was released as a 45 rpm. Around (1985)
Jimmy did two other Songs called There will never be another you and the backstabbers. The very same year Ruffin did two other songs called That's when my love begins and Don't stop keep on loving me. Then by (1986) Jimmy teamed up with Heaven 17 and sang It's a foolish thing to do and Luther vandross my Sensitivity. It's a foolish thing to do Reached number 80# in the UK Singles Charts. By (1987) Ruffin did another two songs called Easy just to say i love you and you never have time for me. Then by (1988) Jimmy did another song called wake me up when it's over. Then by (1989) he teamed up Singer Brenda Holloway and did the song on the rebound. After his brother David Ruffin died in (1991) Jimmy became an anti drug advocate then by (1992) did another song called is it out to get you and his hit song hold on to my love for a Spanish TV. Later on Jimmy went back to America to be closer to his family then Jimmy did one more Album before his retirement called the Soul sound of Jimmy Ruffin where he sung all his Hit Songs for the final time. Including his last Song called One in a Million. By (2014) Jimmy became Gravely ill and was rushed to the Las Vegas hospital into intensive care he stayed there for months for treatment until by Monday November 17th (2014) Jimmy Ruffin died at the same time His children Philicia and Jimmy Ruffin Jr aka Ray Ruffin Reported their Father's death to the news media then they had a big funeral for the late Singer. Berry Gordy himself said that Ruffin was a Phenomenal Singer plus he was an Icon for Soul music. Plus he was a veteran cause he was in the Army, he was a Songwriter, Producer, a Guitarist, a Radio Host, An anti drug advocate, he had his own music company called Ruff N Ready music inc. Yup Jimmy Ruffin was the Greatest Singer of all time and his music will never be forgotten God Rest your Soul Legend❤🎶🎵

@williamelliott2729

2y↑1

just love it top song

@Whipman77

8y↑2

He will always Keep the Faith Jersey city soul sound

@berylbaughan1479

9y↑6

love this Tune.

@maryfountain4560

2y↑1

SWEET MEMORIES

@johnmonaghan3942

9y↑6

Classic song, remember it from Motown Chartbusters.

@keithfrmcov

3y↑1

R. Dean Taylor sang this too. On the LP Indiana Wants Me.

@mmangum4444

10y↑6

Great song. Thoughts are with you and your family. Get well soon. God Bless.

@kenmortell4240

2y↑1

Jimmy, no one does the Ballads better!

@jonathanclary3992

Jimmy Ruffin's UK Records Are The Greatest of all time. America missed out but The UK was lucky to have a great Singer like Jimmy. Ruffin only had Several Hits but he had other Songs from different Labels and Albums that should've been Hits for the UK.

@briancunningham7091

4y↑2

effin brilliant the better of the two brothers

@jamiewarriorwarlordmccallu5712

9y↑16

magic motown song from the late great kind gentle man jimmy ruffin, i am gonna and always gonna give my lady all the love i got.

@TheGooner01

6y↑2

brilliant woooooooooooooooo

@suespencer3459

30w

Listen live to all of Jimmy Ruffins Tracks ( 2.00pm till 4.00pm UK Sundays)( 3 till 5pm European) Sunshine Radio FM Costa Blanca with me Pedro playing Soul, Motown & Northern Soul Tracks.This Is A great track

@stalisblue

11y↑2

Amazing x

@mickbrown8249

4y↑1

THE black Elvis as known by many Saw live in Shropshire, summer 1975 ' rode to venue on Fs1e purple colour talking about JACKIE WILSON BUT saw JIMMY RUFFIN all Dayer Whitchurch CIVIC SHROPSHIRE TOP STUFF what did I do wrong initially..wasn't on BLACK BOMBERS ..:))

@Raoul33

5y↑1

Ace tune! KTF!

@stevecharlemagne5441

20w

Classic 2 sider

@fern17659

9y↑4

love it :)

@alain59200

9y↑2

very nice" track thank for the sharing

@chrystal0411

5y↑2

Temptations I'm Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got

@clairebarrett301

Chrystal Craig,was jimmy Ruffin

@markpullen7637

@@clairebarrett301, Chrystal Craig is correct in mentioning The Temptations.....Paul Williams sang lead vocal on the track

@jonathanclary3992

Jimmy Ruffin's version is much better

@Music4allofU

9y↑6

I adore this track, and oh my goodness, gaynormartin backs up "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got" with the b.side of the single. "World So Wide, Nowhere To Hide (From Your Heart)" What an absolutely smashing recording, this track blew me away when I was a kid, what fond memories this fantastic track brings back for me. I had completely forgotten about it. What a treat and great pleasure to hear it again all these years later. So many awesome recordings by the Iconic Jimmy Ruffin. RIP Jimmy.

@langdonkellogg4390

OUTSTANDING--David Ruffin's BRO?

@wayneslater4458

Never heard this before... but wow and wow again.... !!!

@marynicholls2767

Music4allofU

@annieperry6722

10y↑3

BRILLIANT.............yeah

@jeffreyconyers8735

Whitfield wrote great composition for Jimmy but the executives failed to push them like the sibling lead of the Temps.

@frankiehunter.

2y↑2

Marvin Gaye had a much greater career but this song is sung much better by Jimmy Ruffin. And the production and arrangement are much better on Jimmy's record.

@lynnecottam1043

3y↑1

❤️

@langdonkellogg4390

8y↑2

ME TOO--the Jimmy Ruffin younger broth of David of the Temptations.

@jonathanclary3992

3y↑1

Jimmy Ruffin's the older brother David Ruffin is the younger brother

@28richardwm

9y↑6

r.i.p jimmy god bless

@vinetteaustin5972

10y↑2

Nice!!!

@savannahglebe5165

1000 liker!!

@MD-rd7bn

4y↑1

Mr. Mosogotam....PLEASE !!!

@lewisnight8070

9y↑3

RIP

@malcolmgriffiths9335

36w

Sorry Can Not Go In Room 101 Frank Skinner ❗👀😉😎😅😊

@malcolmgriffiths9335

36w

Also Can Not Go Into Room 101 ❗👀 Frank Skinner 😅😊

@NO-GAMES

23w

Jimmy was jailen.

@briancunningham7091

4y↑2

is there a better voice than this and he turned down the temps

@ztimerz1

4y↑1

I admit I am biased. I like Paul Williams version better.

@jonathanclary3992

Not really Jimmy Ruffin's version is better.

@charlesfleetwood8585

Eweeeaeeeaeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeewaeee

@JamesCarter-ix8oz

Great song, But Marvin Gaye sounds Better.✌️💯

@vancebeasley3946

6y↑4

Long before the joint, love or a broken heart this song foretold My future. "Young blood/old soul" they call it down home. I played this song to shreads. Jimmy You r Badass!!!

@vancebeasley3946

6y↑1

Long before the joint, love or a broken heart this song foretold My future. "Young blood/old soul" they call it down home. I played this 45 to shreads. Jimmy You r Badass!!!