Motown hero, Jimmy Ruffin who shot to fame with his 1966 breakout hit What Becomes of the Broken Hearted has died, aged 78. The news comes following reports that he had been taken into intensive care last month. His children, Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr. confirmed the news last night but did not disclose any further details.
Philicia paid tribute to her heroic father, describing the star as “a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry,” she wrote. “My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed. We appreciate all of the love and prayers from our family, friends, his colleagues and his adoring fans. We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him."
The singer scored a string of huge hit singles including I've Passed This Way Before, Gonna Give Her All The Love I Got and Hold On To My Love, the latter becoming a top 10 hit for Ruffins in 1980. Born in Missisippi, Ruffin moved to Detroit in the early 1960's where he landed a record deal with Motown's Miracle label. Following his he success, he moved to the UK where he recorded tracks with the likes of Paul Weller and Heaven 17.
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy called Ruffin a “phenomenal singer,” adding that: "He was truly underrated because we were also fortunate to have his brother, David, as the lead singer of The Temptations, who got so much acclaim," to Rolling Stone.
Jimmy Ruffins dies, aged 78 (WENN)
Boy George lead the celebrity tributes on Twitter last night, calling the singer a “great soul” while Beverly Knight said: “So saddened to learn of the death of Jimmy Ruffin last night. Huge love to his family, and what a talented family. RIP Xxxxx”.
Our thought go out to Jimmy's family.
