Motown Legend Jimmy Ruffin Dead at 78, Soul Great Sang 'Hold on to My Love' and 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted'

One of Motown's greats, Jimmy Ruffin, passed away Monday (Nov. 18) at the age of 78. Jimmy was the older brother of David Ruffin, a singer for The Temptations who died in 1991. He signed to Motown in the '60s, gaining popularity with songs like "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Hold on to My Love."

"Jimmy Ruffin was a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry. My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death," the singer's children said in a statement, the Associated Press reports. He will truly be missed. We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him."

Ruffin had other hits like "I've Passed this Way Before" and "Gonna Give Her All the Love I Got" before scoring a big one with "Hold on to My Love," which was produced by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees.

Jimmy and David collaborated as "The Ruffin Brothers" on 1970's I am My Brother's Keeper. It hit number 178 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 15 on the Top R&B Albums list. The album included their rendition of the Ben E. King standard, "Stand By Me."

In all, Ruffin released 11 studio efforts. His highest charting album on the pop charts was his first, 1967's Jimmy Ruffin Sings Top Ten. Ruff 'n' Ready got to number 50 on the R&B charts.

"We appreciate all of the love and prayers from our family, friends, his colleagues and his adoring fans," the statement said.

Listen to Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" below.

Tags

The Temptations, Motown