David Ruffin Musical artist

Davis Eli "David" Ruffin (January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer and musician most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of The Temptations (1964–68) during the group's "Classic Five" period as it was later known. He was the lead voice on such famous songs as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg."Known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with The Temptations. Fellow Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye once said admiringly of Ruffin that, "I heard [in his voice] a strength my own voice lacked."

Personal facts

Alias (AKA)Ruffin Davis Eli
Birth dateJanuary 18, 1941
Birth place
Whynot Mississippi
Date of deathJune 01, 1991
Place of death
Philadelphia

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Musical artist

Career started1956
Career ended1991
associated musical artist
Jimmy Ruffin
The Temptations
Eddie Kendricks
BackgroundSolo singer
genre
Disco
Pop music
Rhythm and blues
Soul music
Gospel music
instrument
Drum kit
Singing
record label
Warner Bros. Records
Motown
RCA Records
Chess Records
Anna Records

David Ruffin on Wikipedia

External resources

  1. http://www.soul-patrol.com/soul/temps.htm