Jimmy Lee Ruffin, a staple of the Motown roster and elder brother to David Ruffin of The Temptations, passed away at a Las Vegas hospital late Monday night at the age of 78. His death was confirmed in a statement yesterday by his children, Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Ruffin Jr.
Ruffin’s first hit record for Motown was his 1966 single “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted,” which reached #7 on the Billboard charts. Later records such as “Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got,” “I’ve Passed This Way Before,” and “Farewell Is a Lonely Sound” also charted quite highly.
The artist scored his final Top Ten hit in 1980 with “Hold On to My Love,” which was written and produced by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. The following year, he moved to England, where he found an audience for his work and settled there for many years.
In a statement Wednesday, Motown founder Berry Gordy had the following to say about Ruffin:
“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. Jimmy, as a solo artist, had ‘What Becomes of the Broken Hearted,’ one of the greatest songs put out by Motown and also one of my personal favorites. He was a wonderful human being, quiet and unassuming, who touched many lives with his music, not just here int he States, but overseas as well. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
Listen to “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” below: