Hearts broken at the news of Jimmy Ruffin's death

Soul singer Jimmy Ruffin has died aged 78. His passing was confirmed by Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr, the singer’s children. The cause remains unknown but Ruffin had been in intensive care for a month in a Las Vegas hospital. 

In a statement his family said that Ruffin was, "a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry. We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him”.

Ruffin was a Motown icon and had several lasting hit records including his stoical ‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’ which was his only Billboard top 10 record. The song was originally written for the Spinners and later covered by ‘boy band’ Westlife. He spent time in Britain and even moved here where recorded with pop group Heaven 17 and singer / songwriter Paul Weller. He moved to Detroit from Memphis where he signed to Motown in the 1960s. Motown founder Berry Gordy described Ruffin as a "phenomenal singer". He was the brother of David Ruffin who also recorded for Motown with the Temptations.

This Saturday November 22nd Peter Young pays tribute to Jimmy Ruffin on part 2 of 'The Soul Cellar' during his programme on air 2-6pm.

listen to ‘Peter Young remembers Jimmy Ruffin’ on audioBoom

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