You know that voice. It’s the one that sounds like it’s being dragged across gravel and dipped in honey at the same time. When you hear the opening lines of "My Girl," that’s David Ruffin—a man who basically redefined what it meant to be a frontman in the 1960s. But honestly, most people only know the surface level. They know the glasses, the suits, and maybe the tragic ending. They don’t know about the kid from Whynot, Mississippi, who literally helped build the Motown headquarters with his own two hands.
David wasn’t just a singer; he was a force of nature. He was the "sleeping giant" that Smokey Robinson finally woke up.
The Man Who Was The Temptations (Until He Wasn't)
Ruffin didn't just join the group; he ignited it. Before he showed up in 1964 to replace Elbridge Bryant, The Temptations were talented but arguably struggling to find their "it" factor. David brought a level of showmanship that was borderline dangerous. He'd do backflips on stage without losing his breath. He’d throw his microphone into the air, do a split, and catch it exactly on the beat.
It was electric.
By 1965, "My Girl" hit number one, and suddenly the group wasn't just another Motown act—they were the kings of the hill. But here’s the thing about being the king: it gets to your head. David started wanting the group renamed to "David Ruffin & the Temptations." He wanted his own limousine. He started missing rehearsals and shows, sometimes because he was off watching Dean Martin’s daughter perform in New Jersey instead of being in Cleveland with the guys.
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The ego was massive. But so was the talent.
Why They Fired the Golden Boy
In June 1968, the hammer finally fell. The other members—Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams—had enough of the "star" treatment. They fired him. Most people think he just walked away, but it was a messy, painful divorce. David actually spent the next few months stalking the group. He’d show up at their concerts, wait for his replacement (Dennis Edwards) to start singing one of David's old leads, and then jump on stage, grab the mic, and belt it out himself.
Imagine the balls that took. The crowd would go wild, the band would be stunned, and then David would just vanish into the wings before security could grab him. It was legendary and heartbreaking all at once.
The Solo Years: More Than Just a "One-Hit Wonder"
People act like David Ruffin disappeared after the Tempts. He didn't. His first solo record, "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)," was a smash in 1969. It proved he could carry a song without the Four-Headed Microphone (an invention he actually masterminded, by the way).
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He had this incredible run with producer Van McCoy in the mid-70s. If you haven't heard "Walk Away from Love," go fix that right now. It’s David at his most refined—smooth, high-register, but still with that signature grit underneath. He was still the best singer in the room, even when the room was getting smaller.
- 1969: My Whole World Ended (Top 10 Pop and Soul)
- 1970: I Am My Brother's Keeper (A duet album with his brother Jimmy Ruffin)
- 1975: "Walk Away from Love" (The disco-era comeback)
- 1982: The Reunion Tour (A brief, chaotic return to the group)
The Truth About the Final Act
The end of David's life is often told as a cautionary tale, and yeah, it’s dark. He struggled with a heavy cocaine addiction for years. But the details of his passing in 1991 in Philadelphia are often twisted.
The story goes that he was dumped at a hospital by a limousine driver who just claimed he "overdosed." There was talk of a missing money belt with $40,000 in it—money he’d just earned from a successful European tour with Eddie Kendricks and Dennis Edwards. Was he robbed? Was it foul play? His family certainly thought so.
But even in that tragic end, the respect for him never wavered. Michael Jackson paid for the funeral. Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder sang. The remaining Temptations stood over his casket and sang "My Girl" one last time.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People think David Ruffin was just a diva. But look at his early days. He helped "Pops" Gordy do the actual construction work on the building that became Hitsville USA. He was an apprentice at Anna Records, working alongside Marvin Gaye before either of them were stars. He was a drummer. He was a gospel singer who opened for Mahalia Jackson when he was just a kid.
He was a worker who got lost in the glitter of the 60s.
David Ruffin's Essential Listening
If you want to understand the man, you have to look past the tabloid headlines. Start with "(I Know) I'm Losing You." Listen to how he sounds like he’s literally falling apart at the seams. Then jump to "I Wish It Would Rain." That’s not just singing; that’s acting. He makes you feel the raindrops.
Actionable Steps to Appreciate the Legend
If you're looking to dive deeper into the Ruffin legacy, don't just stick to the Greatest Hits.
- Listen to "The Unreleased Album" (recorded around 1971): It wasn't officially out until 2004, but it contains some of his most raw, funky solo work.
- Watch the 1998 "The Temptations" Miniseries: Leon’s portrayal of David is iconic. While it takes some creative liberties, it captures the vibe of David’s stage presence perfectly.
- Track down the Hall & Oates "Live at the Apollo" performance: David and Eddie Kendricks joined them in 1985. It's a rare look at David in his later years, still possessing that magnetic energy despite everything.
- Compare the leads: Listen to a song like "Beauty is Only Skin Deep" and compare it to the smoother leads of Eddie Kendricks. You’ll hear why David was the group's "edge."
David Ruffin remains the standard for the R&B lead singer. He proved that you don't need a perfect voice to be a perfect singer—you just need to be willing to bleed a little on the track. In a world of polished, auto-tuned vocals, his "grease" and grit are more necessary than ever. He wasn't just a singer for the Temptations; he was the soul of the machine.
Next Steps: You should check out the isolated vocal tracks for "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" on YouTube. Hearing him scream-sing those high notes without the background music is a masterclass in vocal power and emotional delivery. It'll change how you hear the song forever.