Jimmy Ruffin

Jimmy Ruffin (born May 7, 1939 in Collinsville, Mississippi) is an American soul singer and older brother of David Ruffin, one of the lead singers for The Temptations. Jimmy himself was offered a chance to sing with the Temptations, but he declined in favor of David.

His 1966 hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" was a major success and his most well-known song. The intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia, however, 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 also 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".

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 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 England, where he has his own talk show. [ [http://www.shs.starkville.k12.ms.us/mswm/MSWritersAndMusicians/musicians/RuffinJimmy/JimmyRuffin.html Jimmy Ruffin, Mississippi Musician from Mississippi ] ]

He continues to tour and perform to this day. In addition to his brother David, he had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).

Selected discography

Releases on the Tamla Motown Label (UK)

Albums

* STML/TML11048 The Jimmy Ruffin Way LP
* STML/TML11106 Ruff 'n' Ready LP
* STML11161 Jimmy Ruffin ... Forever LP
* STML11259 Greatest Hits LP

ingles

* TMG577 What Becomes of the Brokenhearted / Baby I've Got It 7"
* TMG593 I've Passed This Way Before / Tomorrow's Tears 7"
* TMG603 Gonna Give Her All the Love I Got / World So Wide Nowhere to Hide 7"
* TMG617 Don't You Miss Me a Little Bit Baby / I Want Her Love 7"
* TMG649 I'll Say Forever My Love / Everybody Needs Love 7"
* TMG664 Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me / Lonely Lonely Man Am I 7"
* TMG703 I've Passed This Way Before / Tomorrow's Tears 7"
* TMG726 Farewell is a Lonely Sound / If You Will Let Me I Know I Can 7"
* TMG740 I'll Say Forever My Love / Everybody Needs Love 7"
* TMG753 It's Wonderful (To Be Loved By You) / Maria (You Were the Only One) 7"
* TMG767 Let's Say Goodbye Tomorrow / Living in a World I Created for Myself 7"
* TMG784 On the Way Out (On the Way In) / Honey Come Back 7"
* TMG911 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted / Don't You Miss Me a Little Bit Baby 7"
* TMG922 Farewell is a Lonely Sound / I Will Never Let You Get Away 7"
* TMG934 I've Passed This Way Before / Sad and Lonesome Feeling 7"
* TMG961 I'll Say Forever My Love / It's Wonderful (To Be Loved By You) 7"
* TMG996 Gonna Give Her All the Love I Got / I've Passed This Way Before 7"
* TMG1052 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted / I'll Pick a Rose For My Rose 7" [http://www.vinylnet.co.uk/record-label-discographies.asp link]

References

External links

* [http://www.motownlegends.fr/artists/jimmy-ruffin/ Motown Legends Jimmy Ruffin (in French)]