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).

Have A Little Faith
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics

We have lyrics for 'Have A Little Faith' by these artists:

B-Movie Rats Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be lig…
D.O.I. Yeah uh Alright We talking love, we talking truth We talking…
David Houston Your best friend, your best girl just made a big…
Four Tops Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be lig…
Gotthard Have a little faith in me There's no words for what…
Half Pint Woah... Woah... Have A Little Faith In Me Girl Put A Little…
Jamie N Commons Picked a fine old time to think about leaving When I’m…
Janie Worm Have a little faith Have a little confidence now I must beli…
Jo-El Sonnier Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be lig…

John Farnham See the lovers in the faded photograph She's making funny fa…
John Hiatt When the road gets dark And you can no longer…
Michael Franti & Spearhead I know it's hard when you're down And the bad times…
Nicky Thomas Your best friend, your best girl Just made a big mess…
Paolo Santos Have a little bit of faith Don′t you see That the whole…
Patti Page Your best friend, your best girl just made a big…
Peter Cetera Dry those tears From your eyes Maybe I can help you A few…
Pieces Of A Dream Look at me What you get is what you see Got no…
Richard Marx You were just an innocent soul When the darkness came and…
Rockapella Believe in you, believe in me The world it ain't your…
Tammy Wynette Your best friend, your best girl Just made a big mess…
The Four Tops Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be lig…
The Statler Brothers God told Abraham To go to Canaan land And start a…
Weber Weber Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be lig…

We have lyrics for these tracks by Jimmy Ruffin:

15. As Long As There Is L-O-V-E Love You've told me lots times there's another on your mind And…
A Love Like Yours Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby You don't have to tell…
All Your Love There's a train leaving here tomorrow. (Leaving here) And…
And There You Were Maria hey hey eh eh hey Maria Maria don't you…
AS LONG AS THERE IS L-O-V-E LOVE You've told me lots times there's another on your mind And…
Baby Listen to me people I ain't got time to think about…
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep So in love, sad as could be 'Cause a pretty face…
Black Is Black Black is black, I want my baby back It's grey, it's…
Bless You Ev'ry time I faced the world I just had to cry I…
Do I Love You Girl I can't believe my ears, are you really tellin'…
Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby You don't have to tell…
Don't You Miss Me a Little Bit Baby I hear you're telling everybody That you're glad I'm gone Do…
Don`t Let Him Take Your Love From Me Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby You don't have to…
Don’t You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby I hear you′re telling everybody That you're glad I′m gone Do…
Falling In Love With You You see this girl, this girl's in love with you Yes,…
Farewell Is a Lonely Sound (Farewell farewell my love, farewell farewell my love) Fare…
Gonna Give Her All The Love I There's a train leaving here tomorrow. (Leaving here) And…
Gonna Keep On Tryin Till I Win Your Love GONNA KEEP ON TRYIN' TILL I WIN YOUR LOVE WRITERS NORMAN…
Half Of Your Love Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby You don't have to tell…
Halfway To Paradise I want to be your lover But your friend is…
Hold on to Love Today, you came by, to tell me you are leaving…
I Maria hey hey eh eh hey Maria Maria don't you…
I Could Never Love Another Girl I can't believe my ears, are you really tellin'…
I Got A Feeling There's a train leaving here tomorrow. (Leaving here) And…
I Got You You don't drive a big fine car You don't look like…
I Want Her Love There's a train leaving here tomorrow. (Leaving here) And…
I'll Say Forever My Love You Have Come To Me And You Ask Me How Much…
I've Passed This Way Before Life lands a freshing blow. And once again our…
It There must be a word that says how much I…
It Takes Two You don't drive a big fine car You don't look like…
It's Wonderful There must be a word that says how much I…
Let's Say Goodbye Tomorrow You've come to tell me girl, that I must walk…
Lonely Lonely Man Am I It happened once before, it could happen again Do you spend…
Love Love Love It's not that I don't love you,you know how much…
Love Me Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby You don't have to tell…
Maria Maria hey hey eh eh hey Maria Maria don't you…
Maria (You Were the Only One) Maria hey hey eh eh hey Maria Maria don't you hear…
My Baby's Gone Listen to me people I ain't got time to think about…
Rurn Back the Hands of Time Oh darling I'm so lonely without you Can't sleep at night…
Se Decidi Cosi As I walk this land with broken dreams I have visions…
Stand By Me When the night has come And the land is dark…
Take A Letter Maria Last night as I got home about a half past…
That's You Girl You see this girl, this girl's in love with you Yes,…
Too Busy Thinking About My Baby Listen to me people I ain't got time to think about…
Turn Back The Hands Of Time Oh darling I'm so lonely without you Can't sleep at night…
What Become...Broken Hearted As I walk this land with broken dreams I have visions…
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (Re-Recorded Version) What becomes of the broken-hearted jimmy ruffin As i walk th…
What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted-Drum As I walk this land with broken dreams I have visions…
What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Single Version ooooooooooo As I walk this land of broken dreams I have visi…
What Becomes Of The Brokenhra As I walk this land with broken dreams I have visions…
Where Were You Maria hey hey eh eh hey Maria Maria don't you…
You Last week my life had meaning, it was beautiful and…

You Got What It Takes You don't drive a big fine car You don't look like…

The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos

TRACKS

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Comments from YouTube:

Rodger Gottlieb

2y↑36

Very possibly the greatest song ever to come out of Motown. Performed by one of Motown’s most underrated artists ever.

James A. Hamilton

1y↑1

And it's writer, s comedian's brother named James Witherspoon!

Free Vincent Brocoli

13y↑87

You know a great song when it's just a guy in a studio by himself. No fireworks, camera tricks and fancy lighting. Just a pure raw CLASSIC.

Frank Mann

@Joyce Germer Yes!!!!!!

Marki Hailey-Steele

1y↑1

Boomer alert!

Joyce Germer

2y↑5

And no doctored up voices. Just the plain pure sound of a man with a perfect voice. Would be wonderful to go back to those times.

yhn1inc

12y↑19

The vocal tone of the Ruffin brothers you can't teach. You can't dial it up with Protools. Talent like this is a gift.

Amaris Straiten

6y↑89

I’m 17 but I love this music, Jimmy Ruffin, David Ruffin, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Etta James, Donny Hathaway etc. are all my favorites. I wish we could go back to real meaningful music like this. 💜

Peter Elias

1y↑4

You got good taste of music young Lady👌👌

Sue Cox

1y↑1

@sharon anderson what goes around, comes around.

Jazz Jones

1y↑1

Amen babygirl...keep your head in this right music space.

Marlene Racine

1y↑2

Wonderful to hear you have great taste in music at such a young age. You listen to amazing, talented artists.

nicklh186

2y↑1

Good for you.

1 More Replies...

Phinyx

13y↑51

My god. No autotune. No miming. The way he came in on the 1st verse. Pure passion for music

Cathy Hughes

13y↑16

You just can't help but turn this up loud and sing along! Truly a classic.

Marsha bell Bell

1y↑1

Even if you don't know the words if you listen they will come to you because it's the kind of music you hear one time and you're all in love

Cody Paulson

12y↑36

Effortless perfection, He makes being perfectly on key and beat looks so easy. Dude's got style pouring out of his veins

americanwumn

9y↑20

So grateful for him and his lovely voice. RIP Mr. Ruffin <3

Eoin Doyle

9y↑122

When I was broken hearted I arrived at this song.. cried alot, but later on as life went on I can listen to it with a smile on my face and apreciate how great it is <3 all

Laura Jane

2y↑3

That's encouraging to hear. (Still can't get through this song without crying).

Judy Owydat

Love this guy añd sings beautiful ♥️

Baby Chelle

❤

Peter j Slevin

4y↑3

Everybody that gets hurt in love can relate to this classic

Carina Berkloo

5y↑2

Mooiste ooit deze muziek

1 More Replies...

Gatorman 1990

5y↑1

People today cannot comprehend the level of song writing, singing and producing talent that came out of Motown. It's just unbelievable.

James Meek

This is real music . MOTOWN INCREDIBLE

sunlitweb

9y↑99

You don't hear a voice like this everyday. What a loss. RIP.

Chris Curtis

sunlitweb you got that right. Not in this schlock rock era of imposters.

S Waddington

4y↑1

His voice is so beautiful 💕💕💕

Jessica Williams

sunlitweb he didn't die

George Webb

9y↑5

That's true. He had a unique voice. The scary part is him and David had an album together I know it's sick

none

13y↑1

He sings better LIVE then most artists today IN THE STUDIO VERSION... Back then you had no internet, you couldn't "Go viral", you only made it by having actual TALENT. We're hyping CRAP and forgetting about the true legends...

Ian Little

3y↑48

Don’t make music like this anymore brilliant those wear the days brilliant love this song 👍👍

John Giovine

3y↑2

This is so fine!

exoticat

You can’t watch and listen to him sing this without a deep appreciation of his pure talent.

David Seder

13y

Jimmy was overshadowed by little bro David,but he had one of the best voices of any singer I've ever heard,and I've heard a lot.....I'm 70 yrs old..This song,along with "I Passed this way before" in my humble opinion,are 2 of the best songs ever recorded.Jimmy is a treasure,there's nobody like him in today's music scene. etc60,I couldnt've said it better myself.

DaOrigTruthSeeker

10y↑27

Just pure gold....nothing like this in today's music.

Clara Brooks

1y↑3

JIMMY RUFFIN WAS ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS EVER.

Gibson guy

3y↑9

One of my all time favorites. This track he used or the live musicians played it way to fast. I love the chord change and structure in this song.

Mike Demps

The background vocals really help make the song on the original version

James Lep

4y↑11

Very few songs can tear your heart out, but this one does, we miss you Jimmy, May GOD grant unto you everlasting life, Amen 🙏

John Giovine

Amen, amen to all...

Joe Elliott

2y↑1

One of the best intros to a song I ever saw. It starts as a monolog and blends into a song, a great song. Very inventive.

Curtis Simpkins

11y

Fantastic, I'm 16, born in the 90's and people would think that teenagers listen to the new stuff, like bassline but I prefer this. It's just classic!

Richard Kreider

10y

Is one of my all-time favourite songs. Thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy and loved ones right now.

Joseph Frontierro

2y↑1

I wish they still made great music like this.

Bychance37

14y↑1

He had that golden voice too. Both he and David could really SING! We don't have anyone like them anymore.

holybookofwang

14y↑4

This one has hit me every time since the first time I heard it

Nancy Holt

2y↑1

Such a fabulous song.One of my favorites!!!

Dorie Fann-Purry

7y↑1

In loving memory of Jimmy Ruffin.
May 7, 1936 - November 17, 2014
He was an American soul singer, and elder brother of David Ruffin of the Temptations. He had several hit records between the 1960s and 1980s, the most successful being the Top 10 hits "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Hold On".
Rest In Eternal Peace!

Helenjoe Guerra

9y↑15

Love this Song... Beautiful Voice... Rest in Peace

Jeremy Morgan

This was in Britain years after it was a hit? He flew over there, and nailed a performance that could match the master recordings - note for note. Whatever they paid for his plane ticket, it wasn't enough. What a professional voice! Nailed it on the spot.

Paul McVea

5y↑1

For my dad, who met Jimmy ruffin and would play this song everyday for my mum , played this song at his funeral, miss you dad always xx

Melody Sanger

6y↑5

THIS WEEK IN MUSIC HISTORY: August 20, 1966 - 52 Years Ago Today: Jimmy Ruffin debuted at No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with his single, "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted." This was the R&B singer's chart debut and it became his first Top 40 and first of two Top Tens on the Hot 100 when it peaked at No. 7 on October 29, 1966. This James Dean/Paul Riser/William Weatherspoon-penned classic was a heavy contender for Whitney Houston to record for the final scene in the smash box office motion picture, "The Bodyguard," but was scrapped after co-star Kevin Costner's idea of using the Dolly Parton-penned song, "I Will Always Love You." [08/20/2018]

Mr. Libido

13y

I first heard this song when I was 14. I´m about to be 22 and Ive had my ups and downs with enough gals to know this pain but when I hear the end of this song it seems to patch the rough nights I could have spent. Thanks for being the someone there who knows what someone can be going thru.

Krasgov

12y

As a 15 year old, I am so happy that I grew up with Soul and other forms of 60's to 80's music.

TDSouledOut1

12y↑1

Still one of the most powerful and moving 'loved and lost' songs ever written.

TheStacykeys

12y

Tell it!!! no signer today can hold a candle to Jimmy or his brother David!!! These were the powerhouses of the day, I really wish I was around to see this guys sing live!

Jennifer Stradley

12y↑1

You guys must be really young. I was a pre-teen when MOTOWN TOOK OVER THE WORLD. Yes, there's nothing like it and there can never be another era like it. I fell in love to it, grew up with it, and still, Motown is very much part of my life. God bless Mr. Berry Gordy! We must be grateful for the tracks we do have, and appreciate those masters who are still with us. I don't care if I hear the same songs 100 times. They never get old to me. Long the the Tempin' Temps and the Tops, babies!

Harry S. Anchan

5y↑4

A true masterpiece and one of the 60's best. No mystery to it - The cream rises to the top and will stand the test of time. R.I.P., Jimmy. Released on August 6, 1966, reaching # 7 on October 29.

HRH

11y

One of the best and most underrated singer/songwriters.

Tdan347

So many people can relate to this song even those who are in relationships in trouble…!Happiness is just an illusion….!

Controlled by paintball

2y↑1

He speaks to my heart ❤️

Karen Hammond

The Four Tops were one of the most talented of the many great Motown bands. Some of the songs were upbeat and some were sad songs that could make you cry.

MissLittleTee

RIP Jimmy another legend leaves us, but his music will live on.

Betty Holmes

9y↑6

I GROW UP DANCING TO THIS MUSIC.BRING BACK MEMORY. R.I.P.JIMMY RUFFIN. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY

Erin Thesystem

6y↑1

It is impossible for me to hear this song without Missing; without crying; and without replaying.

georgeharr15

13y↑2

God bless folks like jimmy, david & eddie for bringing us such happiness through their music throughout all these years.

Marcella Detroit

9y↑5

one of the VERY BEST VOICES in American music, this is one incredible song and singer, RIP dear Jimmy Ruffin. You will be sorely missed. Thanks for inspiring me and all of us with your gift. Sincere condolences to you and yours xoxoxo

flensoest

9y↑1

This song helped me through a lot of bad times. thanks for everything

Deborah Staats

Nobody can sing this song except Jimmy. Thank you Jimmy. RIP.

asala2116

4y↑118

Who came here after watching "For all Mankind "?

elizabeth rawbone

Me but I always have liked Tamla Motown

Vanessa De Paula

@Koleverii Lost Ark❤😊

Сергей Иванов

And me too

Jorge Ortiz

I did

Nizamix

Yap

4 More Replies...

Ron

One of my old favorite classics. RIP Jimmy Ruffin. Thanks for this.

Maverick

Voice of an angel
Smooth , so easy to listen to
Legend

Charles Coxe

R.I.P Jimmy..You'll NEVER be Forgotten..You touched us all deeply with your Songs...How can we ever forget a LEGEND?

Clara Brooks

JIMMY RUFFIN WAS A GREAT SINGER AND A TRUE LEGEND, I LOVE THAT SONG VERY MUCH, REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE JIMMY RUFFIN, GONE BUT HE WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN.

RF

12y

The first verse of this song has been sttuck in my head for over a year now. If you look at the people around you, everyone does seem to be "broken", like they've given up on their dreams. Nobody seems to really be happy, only putting on a smile for the rest of us.... Also, he kind of looks like Kanye West.

Alaskagal49

9y↑8

Just learned of his passing and broke down in tears. What a voice! I am so blessed to have been touched and been taught my my poppa what good, quality music is: one of his and my favorite songs, too. Sending good, kind and loving thoughts to his family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

James Thorne

12y↑2

One of the best renditions of this beautiful song ever.

perfectibility999

A beautiful song. Rest in Peace, Mr. Ruffin.

margolou2010

13y

I always loved this song. Very talented family. Jimmy very underrated.

vicky ogden

11y

Excellent....we need more singers like Jimmy ruffin Now....get the motown feel in your heart.....heart lifting music....

Joan Roberts

2y↑1

Awesome as always Great song!♥️♥️♥️♥️

Ken Francis

3y↑3

These guys are my inspiration through the Most High as an artist.there was feeling, meaning and a story line in music back then.a come back will soon happen for soul music soon....R.I.P

the bassman

I pray this music comes back also even tho it's secular it's still spiritual love between a man and a woman is spiritual

Modelt5000

10y↑1

Hey guys let's all keep Jimmy Ruffin in our prayers. Heard he was not doing to well!! Let's PRAY that GOD bring him thru. a speedy recovery!! Get better soon Jimmy!!

jasminepena93

11y

i'm 19 and i grew on good soulful music like this. i love it <3

doc2skate

10y

Incredible song. Though it's performed differently, it still has that soulful feeling.

Aleksandr Vijj

4y↑1

Очень хороший певец , душевные песни.

Jonathan Clary

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

Mike Illman

9y↑4

God bless you Jimmy, the voice of Motown. We have so many happy memories of times where your music has been a huge influence. Thank you so much. You are a legend and your music and superb voice will be in our hearts forever.

Hakim Ogunkunle

5y↑1

RIP Jimmy Ruffin, I strongly believe you and your brother David will be singing in heaven

Harry S. Anchan

For The Lord, no less.

Katrinka Sullivan

This is for all those who have loved and lost. Jimmy Ruffin wrote a song for the ages.

Double L

4y↑1

Don't get any better than this, RIP Jimmy <3

LEO GLOVER-MUHAMMAD

13y

Jimmy is a great talent. He is equal to his late brother David in song mastering.

GetSmart Paul

13y

One of my most favorite Motown tunes from back in the day of 45rpm records. Such a nice treat to see the artist live on TV. Thanks so much, LA Guy

jackohullcity

9y↑30

Such a beautiful song, RIP!

nosferatu49

12y

he sings as easily as we, when we talk...!! Magnificent!!

Gareth Murtagh

12y

One of the greatest songs ever made!!

Paula Sievert

6y↑1

Loved this song Jimmy. You touched many hearts and kept us going each day. RIP.

WorldFamous Gamer

2y↑1

BEAUTIFUL VOICE

tiparker119

13y

When I was a teenager...this was one of my favorite songs....thanks for sharing...GREAT ARTIST...!!!

Halfbakedd69

9y↑4

This is the best version of the song I've ever heard, too bad it's not on a record such a genuine and soulfull performance, I really like this particular version I've heard the original one and a few others but this is the best

Laurens Jacobs

It is indeed

Obi Ezeilo

12y

Beautiful song! Who on earth would dislike it??

bindles of giraffes

You're music will forever live in our hearts!!!

RF33

2y↑1

Been singing this for a long time now. Absolute Classic God Bless You Jimmy X

Clint Higginbotham

One of the GREATEST songs of all time. I hope he's a lead singer in Heaven.

theforceq

I love this man more than my own dad... something about his words move me.

Cecilie M

7y↑3

I love this song! A true classic! 🎶💋🎶💞🎹

65ecosse

12y

The man is a genious. Love his voice! The only and only Jimmy Ruffin

Jilksy101

13y

I think I have played this song at least once everyday for the past week now lol. such a timeless classic

margot holland

9y↑2

One of my all time favorites...RIP Jimmy.

iluvmyboba

14y

Jimmy and David Ruffin...Ah, The Ruffin brothers are FLAWLESS SINGERS!!!!!

Gary Watson

Pure gold.........just brilliant. RIP Jimmy........

0Imtheslime0

9y↑11

Rest in Peace Jimmy.. Thanks for ALL the soul...

charles marshall

13y

one of those sounds that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up,so much of what he has said is true,most will have passed that way sometime in life,GREAT TALENT. FROM UK

Polecat5150

13y

This is music, I can actually hear and understand the words - Jimmy makes it look so easy.

10daydreams

Love this song - your music lives on, Jimmy. Rest in peace

Joe dono

11y

SO MUCH GREAT TALENT BACK THEN WISH THERE WERE MORE LIKE THAT TODAY NEVER WAS MUSIC SO AWESOME NEVER WILL IT BE BETTER THAT , NEVER! THANK YOU!

Always In my heart

Great song! Gives me goose bumps! Love it!

twofloorloft

7y↑5

True talent! Can't make it like that nowadays

ALICIA JONES

11y

I grew up listening to these oldies this is what you call good music

mrconcept

9y↑1

RIP Jimmy. Legendary voice.

Peter Levenswaard

What a fantastic song! Love it.

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