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David Ruffin

R&B

1950s - 1990s

Gritty tenor of the Temptations who sang lead on some of their biggest hits and released a number of quality solo albums.

Biography

David Ruffin's skilled tenor vocals supplied the gritty lead on the Temptations’ "Ain't Too Proud to Beg,” and the caressing croon on "My Girl," among many other hits, but the singer had a career both before and after joining the group in 1963. His earliest professional stint was with the Dixie Nightingales, which preceded a brief solo recording career. Ruffin then joined his brother Jimmy in the Temptations. Initially supporting the falsetto leads of Eddie Kendricks, from ’65 forward he took the front-person role, although erratic behavior caused some tension within the group, and Motown gradually eased him out of the picture. A humble solo career began in '69, and almost 20 years later, a Temptations reunion kicked off a regular partnership with former bandmate Kendricks. The duo recorded a well-received album for RCA and made a memorable appearance at the Live Aid concert, but the momentum did not last long. Ruffin died after a crack overdose in '91.

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