
David Ruffin
David Eli Ruffin (born Davis Eli 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 baritone 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".
Listed On
- #16 of 63Chess Records Complete Artist Roster
- #17 of 28People Fired From Huge Rock Bands
- #25 of 50Greatest Motown Artists
- #40 of 60Star-Studded Birthdays: Celebrities Born On January 18
- #49 of 155150+ Greatest Soul Singers, Ranked
- #53 of 67Best Disco Bands/Artists
- #63 of 288Motown Records Complete Artist Roster
- #72 of 997Famous People Who Died in Pennsylvania
- #80 of 209Famous People Who Died of Drug Overdose
- #84 of 100Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers, Ranked
- #96 of 186Music Fans Rerank Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers
- #170 of 218Famous Drug-related Deaths & Celebrity Overdoses
- #234 of 1104RCA Records Complete Artist Roster
- #235 of 1082Warner Bros. Records Artist Roster
- #357 of 688Famous People From Mississippi


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