One of the lead singers with The Temptations until his departure in 1968, David Ruffin’s life away from the microphone was a sad one. Poor choices and lifestyle meant that by the age of 50 he was dead.
As far as his contribution to the world of soul music is concerned though, he’s up there with my own personal favourites.
I love the tracks that he sings on with The Temptations and also his solo career recordings as well. There are a number of options for favourite song, with Heavy Love the main challenger.
However, that’s pipped at the post by Walk Away From Love. I absolutely adore that track, which is from the 1975 album, Who I Am, which incidentally I bought when it was released.
In addition, I remember buying the single from Graduate Records in Dudley. I went to Sir Gilbert Claughton Grammar School in the town and would often visit the shop on my way to catch the bus back home to Sedgley.
Even now, all these years later, the song still hits the spot as far as I’m concerned. It was also his only solo single to make the UK charts, reaching number 10.
A slight mistake I got my Class A drugs mixed up . David Ruffin actually cultivated a serious cocaine habit which no doubt contributed to his temperamental and sometimes violent behaviour. I think The Temptations played Southport on that final UK tour prior to his demise. sadly it was another concert I missed.
I did actually spot that when you posted first time. However though, really sad whatever the drug.
I’ve never really been one for concerts really, although I have seen a few artists over the years such as Four Tops, Rose Royce, Edwin Starr, Isaac Hayes etc
I have seen Freda Payne, Junior Walker, Martha and The Vandellas, Marv Johnson from the vintage soul era. My big regret was going to see Curtis Mayfield twice and having to leave early on both occasions. Once in London at the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington. He came on very late and my brother lived South of the river so to catch the last tube we had to leave. Secondly, it was at Liverpool University and my then girlfriend was taken ill at the start of the gig.
Some great artists there! Shame about Curtis Mayfield, hopefully you saw more than you missed though.
Sadly no Stewart, I saw about three or four songs on both occasions.
That’s disappointing!
A major talent, sadly a great soul voiced silenced by an addiction to heroin.
Indeed. He’s my favourite!