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David Ruffin was an American singer who rose to fame as the lead vocalist for the iconic Motown group, The Temptations. Ruffin joined the group in 1964, replacing Elbridge “Al” Bryant as the lead singer. His soulful and powerful voice quickly became a defining characteristic of The Temptations’ sound and contributed to their success during the 1960s.

Ruffin’s tenure with The Temptations was marked by numerous hits, including some of their most memorable songs such as “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “I Wish It Would Rain.” He brought a unique flair and emotion to his performances, captivating audiences with his passionate delivery.

However, as time went on, tensions began to arise within the group. Ruffin’s growing ego and personal issues started to affect his relationships with his bandmates. He became increasingly unreliable, missing rehearsals and performances, which led to strained dynamics within the group.

The Unfortunate Parting:

The breaking point came in 1968 when The Temptations were scheduled to perform in Cleveland. Ruffin arrived late and intoxicated, causing the group to miss their set. This incident prompted the other members of The Temptations, along with their manager Berry Gordy Jr., to make the difficult decision to remove Ruffin from the group.

Initially, Ruffin refused to accept his dismissal and continued to perform under The Temptations’ name without the consent of his former bandmates. Legal battles ensued, resulting in an injunction that prevented him from using the group’s name for his solo performances.

Despite leaving The Temptations, David Ruffin embarked on a solo career. He released several successful singles such as “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” and “Walk Away from Love.” However, his solo success was overshadowed by his tumultuous personal life, which included struggles with drug addiction and legal troubles.

Tragically, David Ruffin’s life was cut short when he passed away on June 1, 1991, at the age of 50. His contributions to The Temptations and his impact on soul music as a whole continue to be celebrated and remembered.

Long Live David Ruffin. Rest In Peace.