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).
Love Love Love
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
It's not that I don't love you,you know how much I do. And it's not that I've found someone to take the place of you.It's just a fear that builds within me everytime you touch my hand.And a dread that shakes my body,that even I don't understand,so I'm leaving.This time I'm playing it smart.I'm gonna walk away from love before love breaks my heart.
Oh you're clenging to me tighter than you ever have before.I don't understand it.But I know it's gonna take everything I've got to keep walking out the door.But those arms you've got around me will let me go someday.And I'd rather leave you holding on,than pushing me away,so I'm leaving yes I am.This time I'm playing it smart.I'm gonna walk away from love before love breaks my heart.
Oh you're clenging to me tighter than you ever have before.I don't understand it.But I know it's gonna take everything I've got to keep walking out the door.But those arms you've got around me will let me go someday.And I'd rather leave you holding on,than pushing me away,so I'm leaving yes I am.This time I'm playing it smart.I'm gonna walk away from love before love breaks my heart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES KIPPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@patriciafootejohnson2817
I sang this song and goggle couldn't place it I thought of the temptations then finally Jimmy ruffin and bingo I found this priceless gem of a song! It brought back memories of the Motown reviews and great times of the 60s this black Detroit chick will always love and never forget! As an old kris kristofferson song said I would give all my tomorrows for a single yesterday. What a great time it was to be alive with my wonderful father, uncle otis and family ! DETROIT wad really great then with Hudson's and other great downtown stores. What a wonderful song !
@donnabarris1967
Boy this song and beat blew me away then and more so now. Motown was my Heart And Soul
@donnabarris1967
If you don't dance with this song something's wrong. The beat and the words to this song has always had me. Well done A+ ALWAYS
@ernestgough4634
Great Tune....takes me back to The Motown Revue, Fox Theatre, Detroit Michigan. 3 Shows per day. Early Sixties..those were the days history being made.
@StevenMichaelBogarat
We took the 7 Mile Road Bus To The Fox on Woodward Ave....$ 1.25 for one show....Amazing times
@ernestgough4634
Didn't realize that history was being made....great times, none better than Motown, Hitsville USA.
@Cas82958
Great performance by Jimmy. Excellent song penned by Smokey. Outstanding background vocals by The Andantes.
@joyceturner7665
I had no clue Smokey wrote this great song
@joyceturner7665
I loved this song as a young girl growing up on the west side of Detroit.
@wymell9724
Girl that grew up on the westside of Detroit also surprised we never met I went to Western High School how about you