RIP Motown’s Jimmy Ruffin

We’d like to take a moment to tip our hats to a great in the world of Motown music. It was reported on Monday that “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” singer Jimmy Ruffin passed away in a Las Vegas hospital at the age of 78 years old. The cause of death was not included when the news of his passing that was reported by his children, Philicia and Jimmy Lee Ruffin, Jr.

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

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy also released a statement saying: “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 Brokenhearted,’ 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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