Jimmy Ruffin

About

Jimmy Ruffin was an American soul singer whose smooth, expressive voice defined an era of classic soul music. The older brother of David Ruffin, the celebrated lead singer of the Temptations, Jimmy carved out his own distinctive career path. Between the 1960s and 1980s, he recorded several hit records that showcased his vocal depth and emotional authenticity. His most successful recordings, the Top 10 hits "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Hold On," became timeless expressions of soul music's power to convey vulnerability and hope. These breakout moments established Ruffin as a significant voice in soul music during one of the genre's most fertile periods.

Jimmy Ruffin's legacy extends beyond his chart-topping singles to encompass a remarkable span of creative work across multiple decades. His willingness to evolve and collaborate demonstrated his artistic versatility, including work with his brother David and later appearances on contemporary recordings well into the 1980s, such as his featured performance on Heaven 17's "The Foolish Thing to Do" in 1986. Through his recordings and performances, Ruffin helped shape the soul music landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring generations of artists who followed in his footsteps.