David Ruffin American soul singer and musician Date of Birth: 18.01.1941 Country: USA

Biography of David Ruffin

David Eli "David" Ruffin was born on January 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi. He was an American soul singer and musician, best known for his work as one of the lead vocalists of the male vocal group 'The Temptations' from 1964 to 1968, during the so-called "Classic Five" period. He was the lead vocalist on recordings and live performances of famous songs such as 'My Girl' and 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg'. Ruffin's unique vocal talent, with his unusual tenor voice, earned him a place on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" in 2008. In 1989, while still alive, Ruffin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with 'The Temptations'.

As a child, Ruffin performed in a family gospel vocal group with his strict Baptist preacher father, stepmother, and siblings. He sang in church choirs and participated in talent shows and wherever he could showcase his talent. At the age of 14, he left home and initially intended to become a preacher in Memphis. However, he ended up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, accompanying a jazz musician with whom he performed at dances and casinos. It was during this time that he met notable artists such as Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Bobby Womack. Ruffin later moved to Detroit to join his brother Jimmy, who worked at the 'Miracle Records' label owned by Berry Gordy. Gordy would later establish the renowned 'Motown' recording studio, where Ruffin would spend most of his career.

In 1958, Ruffin released his first single and performed with his brother's group for several years. In January 1964, he was accepted into 'The Temptations'. In the 1970s, Ruffin released several solo albums but also faced difficulties, including tax evasion, which led to a six-month prison sentence. He was romantically involved with singer Tammi Terrell, who tragically passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 24 in 1970.

Ruffin was married twice. His first marriage in 1976 to Joy Hamilton ended in divorce. In 1978, he married Sandra Ruffin, with whom he had three daughters: Cheryl, Nedra, and Kimberly. However, the couple divorced in 1984. Ruffin also had a son named David Junior from a previous relationship with Jenna Sapia-Ruffin, who took his last name in memory of their love.

After a successful tour of England with Eddie Kendricks and Dennis Edwards, Ruffin collapsed and passed away on June 1, 1991, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His official cause of death was listed as accidental cocaine overdose, but his family and friends suspected foul play. They claimed that his body was missing the money belt containing $40,000 from a performance. Just before his death, Ruffin had finished recording the single 'Hurt the One You Love' for the 'Motorcity Records' label.

In 1998, a miniseries titled 'The Temptations' depicted Ruffin's beaten body being thrown out of a car in front of the hospital where he died. The series suggested that his body was left unclaimed in the hospital morgue for a week. As a result, Ruffin's family filed a defamation lawsuit against NBC and other companies involved in the production of the series. According to the plaintiffs, Ruffin was brought to the hospital in a limousine by his driver, who informed the hospital staff of his identity, and his children claimed his body a few days after his death.