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).

Mother You Smother You
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics

We have lyrics for 'Mother You Smother You' by these artists:

Christine Schumacher & The Supremes I want to mother you, smother you With a love you've…
Jr. Walker & The All Stars Mother I love you And I know that you love me…
The Supremes I want to mother you, smother you With a love you've…
The Supremes feat. Christine Schumacher I want to mother you, smother you With a love you've…

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…
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…
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 The Fever 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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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@mr.flibblessumeriantransla5417

1y↑17

Your love is fading, I can feel your love fading
Girl, it's fading away from me
'Cause your touch, your touch has grown cold
As if someone else controls your very soul
I've fooled myself long as I can
I can feel the presence of another man
Girl, when you speak my name
It's just not the same
Ooh baby, I'm losing you
It's in the air
It's everywhere
Ooh, I'm losing you (losing you)
When I look into your eyes
A reflection of a face I see
I'm hurtin', downhearted and worried girl
'Cause that face doesn't belong to me
It's all over your face
Someone's taken my place
Ooh baby, I'm losing you
You try hard to hide
That emptiness inside
Ooh but I can tell,
I'm losing you
Oh yeah (losing you)

I don't wanna lose you, no-no-no
Oh baby, oh baby, yeah-yeah
Ooh I wanna, well well, ooh baby-baby
I can tell when we kiss
From the tenderness I miss
Ooh, baby I'm losing you
I can feel it in my bones
Any day, you'll be gone
(I'm losing you) I'm losing you
Yeah, ooh my love
Baby, baby, baby, baby your love, your love
Oh baby (I'm losing you)
I don't wanna lose you, no-no baby, no-no baby
Oh baby, I'm losing you
I'm losing you yeah, oh

All comments from YouTube:

@marcusmajors6196

1y↑181

This whole song sounds like lava exploding and running down a volcano

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

1y↑9

I LIKE that! That really does describe the feeling very well

@charlenedean4086

1y↑10

Me and my brother in law had disagreement about the temps and the four tops! I'm like crazy. Temps got this! But they both are great!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

1y↑5

Yeah, it's hard for me to pick a favorite, so I don't, ha ha!

@charlenedean4086

1y↑5

You're right, they're both great!

@dannyashton8913

51w↑2

@Charlene Dean loop

6 More Replies...

@90sBatman

48w↑216

It's 2023 and no one still came to see otis

@BlazeDrumArtist

40w↑15

False

@indylar

38w↑21

Going to see Otis this Saturday!!

@jaywade3242

37w↑32

Ain't no one come to see you Otis! I'm David Ruffin........and these are the Temptations

@mlz4467

36w↑6

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

@keyalhaskeys

36w↑8

Lmao I just said this yesterday 😂

42 More Replies...

@marienneperry6682

2y↑45

Five guys that were born sing together. The best there ever was. The Temptations forever.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

2y↑2

I agree!

@sybilwindham604

1y↑2

Don't forget the Dramatics...

@JuanVerde88622

20w↑14

David Ruffin had one of the best voices I’ve ever heard in my life

@martricehenderson6840

18w↑3

The grit, pain, soul & emotion in his voice 😩😩

@brianhines1452

2y↑14

David Ruffin SANG this with Soul, conviction, and confidence! Music Artists in the 60s, 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's had it together!!

@brennenlancashire2465

4y↑33

I was privileged to grow up in the 60s listening to this great music, it’s timeless 🎵 I’m now 71yrs old and still listening and dancing to it 👍🏻😎🎵 anyone else listening in 2022 🤘🏼🤔

@lavernetaylor9218

2y↑2

Yep...2022...a classic is timeless! 💃

@darrell6677

1y↑1

@ Brennen Lancashire + Another child of the 60's here. By virtue of YouTube still marveling over the sights and sounds of these guys in '22: the gripping heartache of David Ruffin's voice; always a splendor in tux's on TV; renowned for the class, precision and beauty of the ‘temptation walk’. Whew!...Have you heard Brennen? 70 years young is the new "It" age.

@blackice1802

1y↑2

Yes

@sybilwindham604

1y↑2

Still listening in 2022...

@GrtSatan

49w↑17

The sheer emotive power of this tremendous song will never fade. An eternal classic.

@seanjenkins331

3y↑103

David had a magical voice. He was a baritone with range and agility. He sung with such a passion. He wanted that girl to come BACK lol

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

3y↑10

This man could raise the dead. All he'd have to do would be to beg them in song and his voice would pull 'em back. I get chills hearing him sing and he'd doing some of his BEST bone-chilling singing here.

@stresslyrics3626

3y↑1

Truth 💔🌸

@janemking5850

he murdered her

@anitalove6003

@Jane king WHO?!! TELL

@janemking5850

@Anita Love who, are you ???

@babyprince8923

1y↑17

Fun fact: The legendary actor who played David made up the “Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis” line. 😂

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

1y↑1

Really! I didn't know that. OK, that kind of stuff makes re-watching this movie more and more fun! Thanks!

@roberthardeman2023

36w

I'm David Ruffin and these are the temptations

@rocklord411

2y↑31

David Ruffin had that vocal quality that only the true greats have, the ability to convey pure emotion and feelings into every word. From the first note, it makes hairs stand on end and brings on chills. One of the Temps truly classic tracks.

@eugenelawson5255

1y↑19

Dammit Man!! There hasn't been anything close to David Ruffin since.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

1y↑1

You know you right!!

@LesterReed-mz8fd

35w↑14

I will always love his deep soulful vioce they will never be another David Ruffin.

@lornefranklin4288

43w↑10

The greatest of the great. The temptations were a powerful group then and now.

@clarabrooks7666

1y↑11

WOW, THE CLASSIC FIVE TEMPTATIONS FOREVER WERE AMAZING AND AWESOME, FANTASTIC.
DAVID RUFFIN REALLY SANG THAT

@quinjones9690

6y↑69

One of the greatest singer's to ever live. R.I.P. David Ruffin

@jhonezcronic

11y↑262

the pain in david ruffin's voice prevents me from ever falling blindly in love

@rosiepestel7836

5y↑14

So true...never fall in love!! It just hurts like hell!!

@boosh971

4y↑3

Facts

@lwmson

4y↑4

That's why he sang "Walk Away From Love"

@arthurjohnson7255

3y↑1

Damn

@kruzzo8d

great comment

6 More Replies...

@karenblueford9082

1y↑9

It must have been Tammy Terrell he was losing . LOVE YOU DAVID you were one of a kind and BLESSED with a BEAUTIFUL VOICE which GAVE ME have MANY HAPPY DAYS. I was in Elementary when this came out and dance off it with my Family which who was older.The good old days ,but this doesn't get OLD.💯

@uhuruchisanga9118

1y↑9

David Ruffin was the truth. Awesome performance

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

1y↑2

David had such a tumultuous life. Not one for G-rated audiences; I think all the issues, good and bad and worse, came out in those performances. Everyday people deal with their issues in the usual manner of arguing, crying, overeating or whatever. Artists like David- it ALL came out in the performance. Like you said, it was the truth, crystal clear.

@662chillin

8y↑933

"Ain't nobody coming to see you Otis"

@Gr8p3

8y↑55

"they coming to see me!
"THEY comin to see the temptations!

@sub-thadd8720

8y↑56

your wish you could work it the way I do
...but you can't because there is only one David ruffin

@brittanymcglown6005

7y↑49

without David Ruffini the temptations ain't nothing but a group in search of a david

@Gr8p3

7y↑38

"Get him out of here now." "Yall some fake ass temps WITHOUT DAVID RUFFIN!!

@brittanymcglown6005

7y↑4

+Susan Boeing lol

56 More Replies...

@clarabrooks7666

1y↑11

I LOVE HOW THEY SANG, DAVID RUFFIN SANG WITH A WHOLE LOT OF SOUL.

@hippiecheezburger5457

6y↑46

I love how short their songs could be but nonetheless could pack soo much emotion and groove into them, you can really feel Ruffin's voice

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

6y↑5

Great comment- yeah it is pretty amazing how much they packed into those songs. I think the thing was, back then, radio wouldn't play your record if it went beyond something like 2:50 or something like that. I've even read how the song "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", because it was pretty long, had been purposely mis-marked with a shorter time on the record to get it played.

@richardcalabrese1661

9y↑537

Davis Eli 'David' Ruffin. Despite only being in The Temptations for 4 years 64-68, the talented Mississipian is still widely regarded as not only one of the best leads for the group, but one of the greatest soul singers of all time. Something that I believe makes people warm to David, despite his personal (yet high profile) problems, is the fact that whatever he sings he always puts his whole heart into it.

@sunitabush9276

7y↑3

Richard Calabrese

@TheJmax59

7y↑8

Absolutely!!

@florencesullivan5

7y↑18

He was the man.

@yvonnechisolm1130

6y↑19

What an impact David was with just 4 years being with the Temptations!

@elianaodeleyaisrael5621

5y↑5

💯💯

21 More Replies...

@tonerow8222

34w↑13

My main man throwing down for motown just know you are forever loved my dear brother

@skydog757

2y↑12

I believe every word David Ruffin ever sang. I felt everything that he was singing about. I love many styles of music but THIS is the stuff right here . . .

@OttoErotic69

50w↑11

One of my favorite bands. OOOOOO BABY I'M LOSING YOU

@albertinegrant4535

8y↑5

REMEMBERING Paul WILLIAM Sr 8-17-16. RIP Paul a loyal fan it been forty years are so.8-17-16.

@kennethdavis903

8y↑3

The clarity of the lyrics are second to none.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

8y↑1

So true- those lyrics are razor-sharp because they're written the way life and love happens to a lot of us.

@runawaychild2

7y↑118

Damn listen to the Orchestra.. the strings, bass and drummer.. they are BADD!!! and I'm not gon even talk about David, he killed this one with his powerful voice...

@jenniferjones4084

4y↑4

That’s the legendary Funk Brothers behind them. And David kills it, as usual.

@teeteelovebug7489

4y↑2

Hell yeahhh!!!

@cynthiaculbreath8804

I know that's right!

@franceselizabethwilliams3651

1y↑7

Indeed, one of the greatest voices of our time. You can feel the emotion in his voice every time.

@tomcollierblognation136

3y↑3

I’m 32 and I’m hear cause of the greatest movie ever ✊🏾💯

@chrishayes69

16w↑8

Listening on NEW YEARS EVE !!!! Happy 2024 TEMPTATIONS 😊

@stayfresh5046

1y↑20

David was the truth

@MrOnlooker13

3y↑2

Bless his soul there will never be another David Ruffin

@johndouglass7919

8y↑354

David Ruffin took it too a whole other level he sung and performed with a passion like he been through what he's singing the cat was bad

@Marchaund

5y↑23

David Ruffin made it sound like you wudn a man until you lost a girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!! In order to be a real man you had to suffer the Hell of losin' yo' love!!!!!!!!

@mauricawilliams9719

5y↑6

Yes he did

@rosiepestel7836

5y↑5

So true...

@rosiepestel7836

5y↑9

Yeah, that's true in order to be a real man you have to lose the man/woman you love!!

@yattamherrag7219

4y↑7

That girl he lost was Tammy Terell

14 More Replies...

@xaqaraequinox9608

8y↑2

The best male singing group EVER -> The temptations !! they were all fantastic and troubled in their own ways...BUT AWESOME as a group !!I know there was so much love brotherhood between them ALL...

@massagebroad

2y↑8

This is one of the greatest songs ever! After being left by a long term boyfriend, it's like every clue I got, David Ruffin is hollering them at the top of his lungs! 🤣

@chrismurphy1457

19w↑12

the song writers for motown were amazing

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

19w↑1

They really were. I mean, even a lot of the stuff that got handed to the lesser-known Motown acts was at times astonishingly good. That was down to Berry Gordy. The songwriters said that because Motown had their own studio and because Berry wanted quality hits, he encouraged everyone to experiment as much as they wanted to; but in the end, it HAD to sound like a hit the kids in the streets would want to buy.

@latiacunningham5627

19w↑1

TOTALLY AGREE!!!…❤ I’m wondering wasn’t it SMOKEY who wrote most of them???

@DVPerry220

18w

@@latiacunningham5627Smokey Robinson is a Godsend. If it weren’t for Motown, songwriting talent such as his would have been overlooked. Thank God for Motown.

@jackiekearney6355

2y↑4

God Bless King David The Extremely Brilliant Extremely Beautiful Extremely Talented True Royal Legend And CONGRATULATIONS TO All The Major Accomplishments

@MrManleyman3

8y↑9

I was a teenage in 1967 - Harlemites. We were down with The Temptations -The thing is that not until we were older and got together at a reunion did we REALIZE the anguish of David Ruffins songs. Man we grew up in a serious era. We played Temps, and other groups on portable, battery operated record players - on the bench in the park. Never realizing we Baby-boomers were a part of history. Never understanding as we do know "relationship loss and pain".

@robertjoseph8008

1y↑7

Came up in Detroit celebrating the Motown sound & everything it represented. "It's in the air, it's everywhere" forever....

@lex-ov6wh

1y↑12

there will never be another David

@cliffside1

7y↑59

The power in his voice has my attention every time he sings what a great gift from God.

@krystalmattella6659

5y↑15

David has a hell of a voice!!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

One of the finest and most expressive ever.

@user-rv1fq1um4b

24w↑15

David was the Man 🎉

@gdp18

6y↑69

One of my favorite singers,when David Ruffin sang a song. It was HIS!

@LagarettTteragal

5y↑1

gdp18. an back in the day. we use to say an the moves like E lax

@nursemcfarlane6655

In most cases but ntot all try I want you back and I miss you.

@KRxN11

10y↑341

The Mighty David Ruffin-One of The Greatest Voices of All Time!!! And This is Proof!!!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

10y↑8

You know it, Kenya!

@overdrive1975

9y↑18

I agree: Ruffin has one of the truly great voices of all time. He delivers on this one.

@wilbertevans3792

8y↑13

no question!!!

@eddieg741

7y↑3

Wilbert Evans

@barronelder1739

6y↑2

Kenya Nkhrumah

3 More Replies...

@melmortimer1545

42w↑7

One of the great vocals of all time ....the group and track are incredible ....one of my favourite temptation tracks Melanie 33 ❤️

@sidneyatkins6678

7y↑300

smokey is a hell of song writer

@elliecarrol2126

7y↑25

Sidney Atkins
Smokey wasn't author. Norm Whitfield, Eddie Holland & Cornelius Grant; played intro & was their band leader. They wrote this song, Temps at concerts always introduced Cornelius as the band leader.

@hazeleyes611

7y↑4

Ellie Carrol Totally agree with you.

@yvonnechisolm1130

6y↑3

Sidney Atkins he's a genius !

@silentvalentina727

5y↑4

Holland Dozier Holland wrote most of the songs for the Temps

@hasake89

4y↑3

Smokey didn't write this song. It was Eddie Holland and Norman Whitfield.

12 More Replies...

@kimberlybridges3135

1y↑13

David Ruffin an the temptation

@calvinbealer7264

2y↑4

The Legendary Greatest Singers Ever. PAST, PRESENT 💝🎁 FOREVER.

@lwmson

7y↑219

Say what you want about David Ruffin, but he was the MAN of the Temptations and IMO the greatest R&B singer of all time. RIP

@bobthebear1246

5y↑9

You could certainly make that case. David Ruffin was one of the very best of all-time.

@whayes8084

5y↑3

joe jones how? Make the case? Shag solo hit song did he have that was memorable? No where near Marvin or Smokey.

@asiajames7100

5y↑4

joe jones facts like rest his soul😍😍😍💯💯❤️❤️❤️❤️💍

@myrtleagee6184

4y↑3

Agree

@soxwina

4y↑1

@KingCetshwayo Better.

12 More Replies...

@oscarkelly2798

6y↑13

David Ruffini was one great artist in the World of lead singers...His voice was magical in his SINGING of any song ...He gave the public a voice that can never be matched and his DANCING style was a turn on to the sisters in the audience...You were great David...I will never forget your voice in my life....

@cherylrobinson6718

3y↑7

This man can sing anything, love him

@TheNickJonesExperience

17w↑7

David Ruffin, That voice, Legend

@thegiftedseer6764

16w↑8

"I'm David Ruffin, and THESE are The Temptations"😂

@mariejones8245

7y↑52

These 5 men will be my guys forever even with their demons! Very human soulful singing!

@ellapadilla3851

Ever and Ever !!!

@rollerchickable

8y↑3

I LOVE THIS SONG, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING, TEMPTATIONS FOR EVER I LOVE ALL OF YOU., RIP ALL OF YOU THAT GOD HAVE CALL HOME AND OTIS GOD BLESS.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

11y↑2

I can identify with you there. I was born in the mid sixites but it was in the 70's and 80's that I was getting into this music. I always was out of step with what my brothers and friends were listening to, but to me, this music couldn't be beat!

@williamdillard5060

21w↑12

If we are evolving as humans, why is our music devolving? Maybe I just don't "understand" today's music.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

21w↑2

I've wondered the same thing. Don't get me wrong, there's music today that I do like, I get that most of it is build on beat and rhythm, but yeah I hear you. I don't think many know how to do full arrangements involving strings, brass sections, multiple guitars, and various other combined instruments like vibraphones and pianos to bolster a production.

@verlinciajones6847

5y↑3

This is my favorite group I wish I grew up with them.
Thank you Mr. David Ruffin for your wonderful voice...

@marydenise7429

9y↑160

David sings this well with passion and feeling...

@neanam

8y↑7

+Mary Denise I hope you aint feeding that mutt

@TheJmax59

6y↑4

David sang every song with passion and feeling.

@LagarettTteragal

Leon sang it very well also. that's what we do bing from the Sip.

@user-bz3jx2tm7y

43w↑11

😂❤😂I love David too I love his voice I miss him so much

@maryannbecksted1939

30w↑9

The “wall of sound” behind Ruffins voice fabulous! They are my all time favorites! These guys were smooth. The arrangements perfect. Horns, guitar, drums all perfectly placed. HDH wrote great music.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

30w↑3

Excellent comment! Motown gave the song writers free reign to innovate and Eddie Holland, Norman Whitfield and Cornelius Grant nailed a classic here.

@kendaltravis5119

22w↑11

David really was the main character 😅

@esesluggo9344

6y↑2

LOVE YOU DAVID RUFFIN!!!!!!!!!!MAY YOU DANCE AND SING IN HEAVEN.😢😢😢💖💖💖❤

@mr.flibblessumeriantransla5417

1y↑17

@valerieberesford1407

8y↑8

I'm Losing u. I'm Losing u. Jam. My brother was a sic person. He played The Temptations for my younger sister and I. We music all of time.

@alesiamorris7979

Got Damn David!

@saundragordon-grant6088

6y↑24

David Ruffin was one of the true greatest singers of all time!

@MrBeauGator

10y↑31

The desperation in David's voice makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck! The horn charts drive me up a wall! We've all been there; wondering if she means what she says; wondering why it feels like a wedge has been driven between us as we seem to drift further and further apart. Is the magic gone? Simply a Killer Song, done with the finesse and intensity "only" The Temps could deliver!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

10y↑3

Beau, those are the words. You've perfectly described the whole experience of this song, how uncertain love can be and strength of the Temptations' effect on all of us. Excellent comment!

@MrBeauGator

10y↑3

Thank you Tomovox. I'm currently assembling a group in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the rhythm guitarist is wanting me to do this song. I've been told by many that I have a great, flexible voice, but I have to admit, I'm a bit intimidated by Mr. Ruffin. I usually don't touch classics like this, and it's going to take quite a bit of coaxing in order to convince me to have a go at it. They were "the best"! Period!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

10y↑4

Beau Gator First, good for you! I love that you're getting a group together! I've played bass in a few bands, and love to sing, so I really know what you mean about being intimidated by singing a song made famous by such a group as the Tempts and David. One thing that may help is to imagine you were signed to Motown and were given the assignment to cover this song. You know how Motown had even the most iconic songs covered by others at the company.

Whenever you hear a Motown artist cover another Motown artist's song what I find incredible is how they bring their own style to the song and sometimes you got some fantastic re-interpretations. If and when you sing this, just also remember- at Motown, you sung it as if you were sticking to the melody line like crazy glue! I think that's what made those songs rock. David could have gone all over the place on this one, but those producers would reign you in. I think that challenge to stick to the melody line and still inject raw emotion is what made these songs amazing.

So we know that nobody will ever be better than the Tempts, but go out, put your stamp on this song and let me hear it when you do!

Rock On!

@MrBeauGator

10y↑2

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Will do!

@kellybellyfullofjelly

43w↑10

i love David ruffin ❤

@jacquelinefox2632

1y↑11

Ain't to proud to beg Temptations

@jermainejohnson5869

6y↑16

2018: The temptations ARE STILL the #1 Old School group of all time 🏆........

@markbruner2679

7y↑11

What a great song!!....sang it like he meant it!!...great music! R.I.P. David Ruffin

@steverees8157

7y↑23

Brilliant song great memories from a very happy time in my life. No one can compare to David Ruffin.

@LG-kx8xl

6y↑5

You can feel his voice. I saw him driving down the street once in Detroit in a convertible wearing his trademark glasses. I started screaming , he smiled & waved. His voice was iconic.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

6y↑1

Wow, that is so very COOL that you saw him! I'll bet he just had a sort of electricity about him that came through whether he was on stage or off. He certainly had it in his voice.

@makeupfinaticchic533

8y↑167

I love this freaking song!

@Gerteye50

6y↑2

I do too. The lyrics are priceless

@dennismotley5346

4y↑1

dude messed up! I = 14 then

@wakeelclay8006

I listen to this back to back

@spencerclarke2289

3y↑4

Im 49 years old so greatful for my Momma I Miss you every day my girl rest in power honeydoll

@mrstanbmw

2y↑3

Saw David when was with the group his charisma was off the charts

@vickylane8455

31w↑11

Yes! Yes! Those horns!!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

31w↑2

Ooooooh you ain't lying! I LOVE those horns!

@stevenporras1625

17w↑12

David Ruffin a bad G

@SuperIDP

9y↑59

Nothing Compares to this. R n B at its finest. Love Motown!

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

9y↑5

SuperIDP I agree with you 100%!

@jackp.548

4y↑1

Every man at some point in his life
Will live thru this song. Thanks Mr. Ruffin for making grown folks issues understandable

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

That's a really great way of putting it because this really is grown folks issues. This is not teen heartbreak; "aww, my girl is going to the dance with another guy." This is as raw and frank as anything you'd hear in a blues song. David sings with such intensity, you get it in a heartbeat with the man is going through. And you're right, every man at some point has or will go through this.

@richardmbowman

10y↑9

The great Temptations' classic lineup, .....the legendary "Funk Brothers" in full form.... Motown at its best

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

10y↑2

All-the-way True, Richard!

@GeorgeSazo

6y↑3

I always thought this was Rod Stewart's song and I loved it but this original is so badaasssssss. Absolutely fantastic.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

6y↑1

Welcome George! Shows you have broad tastes in music. I think all of us have heard songs that we thought originated with one singer or another, and we come to love that version. When you later hear the original recording, sometimes it's hard to find room in your heart for that version, so I really love your enthusiasm for The Tempt's original. (By the way, I think Rod did a pretty kickA$$ job with it too!)

@GrtSatan

1y↑8

This one is an absolute monster. So powerful and moving,.

@RickiG

7y↑13

This that black BBQ music!!!! classic, thanking all the old heads for this type of soul!

@1988banker

3y↑3

When the most talented musicians sang about real things. Real situations we all face. Full of soul, and reflective of what the heart feels.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

3y↑1

I couldn't have said it better myself!

@1988banker

3y↑1

@Discover Motown Songs with Tomovox! Thank you! A heart from you means a lot to me. Thank you for providing real music, for us to enjoy!❤

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

3y↑1

@1988banker Wow! You're making my good day an even BETTER one! You're always welcome here, my friend!

@1988banker

@Discover Motown Songs with Tomovox! Thank you! You have totally made my day! ❤

@victoraugustine9604

30w↑13

RUFFIN THE G.O.A T

@MrFishermanbob

29w

Greatest vocalist ever IMO!?

@sasharae1983

4y↑2

This man was 24 and when he opened his mouth a 75yr old southern baptist preacher comes out. #Incredible

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

I hear ya, yeah. David had that something that you can learn. It's truly a gift.

@beckiebuist803

15w↑9

The greatest music ever burned a tape machine was made in the MotorCity...WORD !!! :)

@nomadmarauder-dw9re

13w

and...them LIONS

@tuxguys

41w↑7

More Musique Noire from Motown.
This is my second favorite cut by these guys...
Part of it is the hypnotic nature of the harmonic content, and part of it is that it REALLY shows off how good the Funk Bros. were at gettn' the job done.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

41w↑1

Fantastic comment! There's depth in your observation about the music. Music talk always makes me sit up and take notice. (and you're the only other person I've seen to use "noire" in relation to this music)

@tuxguys

41w

@@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles
Thank you.
As I use the term, Musique Noire can refer to a lot of stuff in a number of styles. Some (but not all) specific to Motown:
"Dancin' In the Street," "Wild One;" "(Love is like) An Itchin' in My Heart," "I'll Keep On Holdin' On," "Reflections," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," and my FAVE Tempts cut:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iDRnVdMhKE

@biscuitb6941

7y↑23

Ruffin got me for life!!!

@gwendolperkins8955

8y↑30

David you were such an amazing singer. ...sorely missed. ....R.I.H

@MEB2kDeez

8y↑376

Ruffin was a bad motherfucka, r.i.p my brother.

@Davidbmr1970

8y↑9

I know, right? I know it wasn't down, but back when he had that conk, damn. Probably didn't have a dry spot on his sofa.

@wallacesmith7995

8y↑3

+David Hardy Yes he was

@kingcorso2212

8y↑3

+MEB2kDeez pure killa!

@kingcorso2212

8y↑1

Sadly,he was a 'banger",they wasn't smoking when he started his descent into darkness!

@charlierobinson392

7y↑16

Mr. B they dont mak'em like them anymore. SING THEM SHITS

14 More Replies...

@ilvmakindolls

9y↑35

This is the music I grew up listening to. I LOVE IT!

@Tamaresque

1y↑8

Memories of my teens spent in Detroit and suburbs in the late 60's / early 70's.

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

Must have been a great and fun time!

@davidallen5776

6y↑6

You can tell that he put his heart into this one.

@angylferrell7450

2y↑3

After watching temptations with my mother I researched so much about this man and I feel so bad for him RIP David Ruffin 🥇

@Tomovox_PAMS_Radio_JIngles

2y↑1

Yes. Unfortunately, Davide had a lot of personal issues. It really is so sad because he had so much talent, such a natural gift, but there are people who can have a lot and still be unhappy. I think that's wonderful that you took time to research his life.

@gergg

3y↑5

I'm in love with my tears as I listen to this classic song 💓

@brianhines1452

17w↑4

My favorite joint from The Temptations! I sang this in karaoke at a party in my hometown of Plainfield, New Jersey. I was born in 1979, so I knew nothing about this joint until I saw The Temptations miniseries.

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