Singer Jimmy Ruffin Passes

Jimmy Ruffin

Soul singer JIMMY RUFFIN has just passed away in a LAS VEGAS hospital at the age of 78, ROLLING STONE reports. No cause of death has yet been reported.

Born in COLLINSVILLE, MS, RUFFIN, the older brother of late TEMPTATIONS lead singer DAVID RUFFIN, signed with MOTOWN and released the Top 10 hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" in 1966, and later charted with "I've Passed This Way Before," "Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got," "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby" and "I'll Say Forever My Love." He had a comeback in 1980 with "Hold On (To My Love)," co-written by the BEE GEES' ROBIN GIBB and BLUE WEAVER.

In a statement, MOTOWN Founder BERRY GORDY said: "JIMMY RUFFIN was a phenomenal singer. 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 in the STATES, but overseas, as well.  

"JIMMY RUFFIN will always be a part of the MOTOWN legacy, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans."

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