Jimmy Ruffin

Play Radio
Listen to Jimmy Ruffin Radio, featuring artists like Kim Weston, Brenda Holloway, The Monitors, The Elgins and more…

675,097 plays (171,628 listeners)

Shop now at Amazon | Send Jimmy Ruffin Ringtones to Cell
Buy
Add to my Library

Collinsville MS, United States

Jimmy Ruffin (born 7 May 1939 in Collinsville, Mississippi) is an American soul singer. His 1966 hit “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” was a major success and his most well-known song. He was offered a chance to sing with The Temptations, but he politely declined in favor of his younger brother, David Ruffin.

After the success of “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”, the intended follow-up, “East Side West Side”, was released only in Australia due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos’ member Terry Johnson.

With his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin released a popular cover version of “Stand By Me” (by Ben E. King), taken from The Ruffin Brothers’ album, I Am My Brother’s Keeper.

Jimmy Ruffin’s other hits include “I’ve Passed This Way Before”, “Gonna Give Her All The Love I’ve Got”, “Don’t You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby”, “I’ll Say Forever My Love”, “It’s Wonderful To Be Loved By You” and “Tell Me What You Want”.

In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees’ musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: “Hold On To My Love”. In 1986 Jimmy Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing “A Foolish Thing To Do” and “My Sensitivity” on a 12” EP record.

In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to England, where he has his own talk show.

He continues to tour and perform to this day. In addition to his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).
Read more… Edit bio

Popular tags: , , , ,  See more

Share this artist:

Top Albums

See more

Top Tracks

1
647
2
519
3
80
4
76
5
70
6
49
7
46
8
43
9
38
10  
35
11
32
12  
31
13
23
14
22
15
17
Buy all tracks at Amazon MP3
See more

Shoutbox

Leave a comment. Log in to Last.fm or sign up (it’s free).

  • toinettearea7

    Here's to Mr. Jimmy Ruffin - wishing him all the very best.

    November 2011

  • SkankinByrd

    what becomes of the broken hearted! best song ever

    April 2011

  • DoobieNights

    Check out this Jimmy Ruffin Remix - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gSzZnDV90M. Not sure about the other tracks from this guy but this one's sweet.

    April 2010

  • I_LOVE_DONUTS

    vergonha dos meus compatriotas, hahaha. Mas que parece, ah parece.

    January 2010

  • juniozeppelin

    Ronaldo!

    July 2009

  • playsafe001

    The life and times of the motown stars is an extraordinary new book gives a fascinating insight into the lives and careers of all the key figures in the history of Motown, and chronicles the meteoric rise of the label. With over 150 life studies, this book is a `must read' for any fan of the music. From Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and The Four Tops, to Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 - discover what life was really like for these musical legends. The release coincides with live arena tours of ex-Motown artists (Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson), the Motown Legends UK arena tour, major back catalogue album releases, nationwide in-store displays, and numerous TV interviews with ex-Motown stars. For more info contact James or Andrea james@hudson-pr.com / andrea@hudson-pr.com / 020 8 600 5010

    July 2009

  • AaronMcD

    Yes!

    May 2009

  • Fidalgo

    Irmão gêmeo perdido do Ronaldo!

    April 2009
See all 24 shouts

Videos

See more

Listening Now

Top Listeners

See more

More Information

Links
Labels

Email Newsletter

Universal Music Group Get exclusive tour, release & promotion updates on Jimmy Ruffin from Universal Music.