Jimmy Lee Ruffin (May 7, 1936 – November 17, 2014) was an American soul vocalist whose plaintive delivery and romantic ballads earned him lasting recognition. Best known for the 1966 single "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," Ruffin recorded for Motown during the 1960s and continued to release material through the 1970s and 1980s. He was the older brother of David Ruffin, who rose to fame as a lead singer with The Temptations.

Overview and musical style

Ruffin's singing was marked by a warm, expressive tenor and a knack for conveying heartbreak and longing. His repertoire focused on soul ballads and pop-soul arrangements that showcased melodramatic lyrics and orchestral accompaniment. While his sound fit comfortably within the classic Motown aesthetic, Ruffin's voice carried a distinct intimacy that helped his signature recordings endure.

Career highlights and recordings

During his decades-long career Ruffin recorded numerous singles and albums. His breakthrough came with "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," a song that became closely associated with him and has been anthologized and covered widely. Other notable tracks include recordings from the late 1960s and later efforts that found appreciative audiences in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Ruffin worked with a variety of producers and sometimes collaborated with artists and songwriters across genre lines.

History and context

Born in Mississippi and raised in the Detroit area like many artists of his generation, Ruffin entered the music business in the era when Motown Records was shaping popular soul music. He recorded for Motown's labels and benefitted from that company's songwriting and production resources. Although he did not achieve the same level of commercial stardom as some Motown contemporaries, his best-known recordings became staples of soul radio and compilation albums.

Legacy and influence

Jimmy Ruffin's recordings continue to be played, reissued and used in film and television soundtracks. His expressive vocal approach influenced later interpreters of romantic soul and his most famous track remains a classic of the genre. He is often mentioned in the same breath as other Motown-era singers and remembered for the emotional directness of his performances.

Selected works and further reading

  • "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" (1966) — Ruffin's signature song
  • Late 1960s singles and album tracks that highlight his ballad style
  • Later recordings from the 1970s–1980s reflecting international interest

For more detailed biographical and discographical information, see a general artist biography: Jimmy Ruffin biography. For samples and music databases consult: selected recordings and catalog. To place Ruffin within the Motown story, see a Motown overview: Motown background. For information about his family connection to The Temptations, see: David Ruffin and The Temptations.