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).
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).
It Takes Two
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
You don't drive a big fine car
You don't look like a movie star
And on your money we won't get far
But baby, you got what it takes
Satisfied, you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You got what it takes for me
You don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face,
But baby you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me
My head goes around and round
And when you kiss me
My love comes tumblin' down
You send me
You don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face,
But baby you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me
My head goes around and round
And when you kiss me
My love comes tumblin' down
You send me
You got what it takes for me
You got what it takes for me
You got what it takes for me
You don't look like a movie star
And on your money we won't get far
But baby, you got what it takes
Satisfied, you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You got what it takes for me
You don't live in a beautiful place
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face,
But baby you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me
My head goes around and round
And when you kiss me
My love comes tumblin' down
You send me
You don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face,
But baby you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me
My head goes around and round
And when you kiss me
My love comes tumblin' down
You send me
You got what it takes for me
You got what it takes for me
You got what it takes for me
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tyran Carlo, Gwen Fuqua, Berry Gordy Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Tina Davies
OMG! This is absolutely buzzing. Luckily I've still got the vinyls. 62yrs old and I'm listening to this like the first time I heard these tunes,never ever get bored of listening to the greatest singers ever. R.I.P Tammi,Jimmy,Marvin,David,Flo,Levi, could go on forever.
Paul Nash
Can't believe Tammi had such a great voice, she died so young and sadly we all lost a great talent, the more I hear her the more sad I feel, great duo with Jimmy Ruffin.
Chris Boudreaux
A perfect music marriage for this duo. Love the Motown versions joined together. If ever released, it would have been a million seller.
R. Burtnett
MEMORIES of the past when we were truly blessed with GREAT Entertainers with wonderful songs.
Mike Ficher
A Motown gem..re-imagined! Your usual brilliance!
rollerchickable
I LOVE THIS SONG, R. I P JIMMY RUFFIN,& TAMMI TERRELL, YOU BOTH ARE GONE BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, THANK YOU FOR SHARING, THIS IS PRICELESS. TAMMI TERRELL IS SO BEAUTIFUL.
Astro Atomic
Wonderful as always. This beat has a body rocking movement I adore. Groovy extended version.
Mack David
Johnie Taylor
mosogotam
Thanks a lot, Astro!!
Jenero Sigler
Makes me want to dance. Love it.