David Ruffin Bio: The Story of the Temptations' Troubled Genius

David Ruffin was a star with a voice that could move mountains and a personality as complex as a puzzle. As the lead singer of The Temptations, he captured hearts with his electrifying performances.

Yet, behind the curtain, Ruffin’s life was filled with drama, mystery, and heartache.

Table of Contents

Early Life: Childhood and Adolescence

David Ruffin, born Davis Eli Ruffin on January 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi, was destined for greatness despite a tumultuous start. His father, Eli Ruffin, was a strict and sometimes harsh Baptist minister, while his mother, Ophelia, passed away when David was young. Growing up without his mother deeply affected him. He was raised along with his siblings, including his brother Jimmy Ruffin, who would also become a well-known singer. The Ruffin children had to navigate a challenging childhood marked by poverty and hardship.

David’s early years were steeped in gospel music, thanks to his father’s influence and the church’s role in their lives. The Ruffin family often sang together, with David quickly showing a natural talent. His father pushed him hard, sometimes to the brink, but it was clear David had something special. Despite the rough treatment, these early experiences shaped his voice and stage presence, laying the groundwork for his future career.

In his teens, David began to explore music beyond the church. He joined several gospel groups, including the Dixie Nightingales and later the Soul Stirrers, honing his skills and developing his unique style. By the time he was 16, David had moved to Detroit, a city that would play a crucial role in his musical journey. This move marked the start of his path to becoming a soul legend.

Musical Beginnings

After arriving in Detroit, he connected with Berry Gordy Jr. and signed with Anna Records. His big break came when he crossed paths with The Temptations. At the time, the group was still finding its footing. David’s brother, Jimmy Ruffin, had already made a name for himself in the music scene, which helped David get noticed. In 1964, David was invited to join The Temptations, replacing Elbridge “Al” Bryant. It was a life-changing moment for him.

Joining The Temptations wasn’t just about stepping into the spotlight; it was about fitting into a group dynamic. Otis Williams, one of the founding members, and David quickly bonded. Eddie Kendricks, known for his smooth falsetto, also became a close ally.

Ruffin and Kendricks started to develop a strong musical partnership, bringing new energy to the band. Their voices complemented each other well, and they began to stand out as a duo within the group. David’s early days with The Temptations were a mix of excitement and adjustment as he found his place among some of the most talented singers of the time.

Career, Rise to Fame, and Struggles with Stardom

Ruffin began his professional career with the group in 1964, and it wasn’t long before his powerful voice became the centerpiece of their sound. The Temptations scored their first big hit with My Girl in 1965, featuring Ruffin’s unforgettable lead vocals. This song catapulted the group to stardom and established Ruffin as a charismatic frontman. His voice, combined with the smooth vocals by Kendricks and Ruffin, created a unique harmony that became the hallmark of The Temptations’ music.

The late 1960s were a golden era for The Temptations, especially 1967 and 1968 with Ruffin. During this period, the group released a string of hits, including Ain’t Too Proud to Beg and I Wish It Would Rain. Kendricks and Ruffin contributed significantly to these successes, with Ruffin’s gritty voice leading the way. 1968 with Ruffin leading the charge, The Temptations continued to dominate the charts. However, the pressures of fame began to weigh heavily on Ruffin. His growing popularity and the demands of stardom started to create tension within the group.

As Ruffin’s reputation as the lead singer grew, so did his ego. He began to see himself as the star of the group, which led to clashes with his bandmates. Ruffin also struggled with substance abuse, which only exacerbated the tensions. His erratic behavior and demands, such as wanting the group’s name to be changed to “David Ruffin and The Temptations,” caused friction. Despite the success, these internal conflicts made it increasingly difficult for the group to function harmoniously.

Solo Years

In 1968, the situation reached a breaking point, and Ruffin left The Temptations. His departure marked the end of an era for the group. Former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards replaced him, but Ruffin’s shadow loomed large. Despite his departure, Ruffin remained connected to music. He attempted a solo career and released several albums, but he never quite recaptured the magic of his time with The Temptations. Ruffin rejoined The Temptations for a brief period in the early 1980s during their reunion tour, but the old issues resurfaced, and he eventually parted ways with the group again.

Discography

David Ruffin (1973)
Me ‘N Rock ‘N Roll Are Here to Stay (1974)
Who I Am (1975)
Everything’s Coming Up Love (1976)
In My Stride (1977)
So Soon We Change (1979)
Gentleman Ruffin (1980)
Ruffin & Kendrick (with Eddie Kendricks) (1987)
David (2004, originally recorded in 1971 but released posthumously)
The Unreleased Album (2004, originally recorded in 1971 but released posthumously)

Personal Life: Romantic Partners, Children and Domestic Abuse

David Ruffin was born into a difficult environment, and these early hardships influenced his relationships later in life. He was romantically involved with several women, including Genna Sapia, who bore him a son, David Ruffin Jr. Ruffin also had daughters, Nedra Ruffin, Kimberly Ruffin, and Cheryl Ruffin-Robinson. Despite his fame and success, Ruffin struggled to maintain stable relationships. His issues with addiction and his volatile behavior often led to conflicts.

Ruffin’s battles with addiction began during his time with Motown Records. Substance abuse strained his relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. His addiction led to legal troubles and erratic behavior that further isolated him. Even though Ruffin became dependent on drugs, he sought help multiple times. However, his efforts to overcome addiction were often short-lived. The pressures of maintaining his career and personal life created a cycle of recovery and relapse that he couldn’t easily escape.

Domestic abuse was another dark aspect of Ruffin’s personal life. His relationship with Genna Sapia was marked by violence, as were some of his other relationships. These incidents of domestic abuse damaged his reputation and caused significant personal pain. Despite these challenges, Ruffin had moments of clarity where he tried to make amends and rebuild his life. His tumultuous personal life, however, often overshadowed these efforts.

Final Years, Death and Legacy

In his final years, David Ruffin continued to struggle with addiction but made several attempts to revive his career. After John Oates invited Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks to perform at the Live Aid concert in 1985, there was renewed interest in his music. This performance showcased that Ruffin’s powerful voice had not lost its charm. Hall and John Oates invited Ruffin and Kendricks to join them on tour, which helped Ruffin reconnect with old fans and introduce his music to new ones. Despite these efforts, Ruffin’s personal demons often overshadowed his professional successes.

Ruffin’s final years were a mix of performances and personal battles. He reunited with The Temptations for their reunion tour in 1982, but old tensions resurfaced, making the collaboration short-lived. Kendricks invited Ruffin to join him for various gigs, trying to keep the spark of their early days alive. They even recorded an album entitled Ruffin & Kendrick in 1987. Unfortunately, Ruffin stopped performing regularly due to health issues and his ongoing struggles with substance abuse. Despite these setbacks, his influence in the music industry remained strong.

Tragically, on June 1, 1991, Ruffin suddenly died of a drug overdose. His death sent shockwaves through the music world. The soulful voice that had defined a generation was gone. Fans and musicians alike mourned his passing. Singers like Dennis Edwards, Smokey Robinson, and Mary Wilson paid tribute to Ruffin’s contributions to soul music. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Temptations in 1989 was a testament to his enduring impact.

Ruffin’s legacy lives on through the music he created and the artists he inspired. His voice and stage presence set a standard in soul music that still resonates today. Artists like Daryl Hall, Billy Davis, and D’Angelo have cited Ruffin as an influence. Songs like My Girl and Ain’t Too Proud to Beg remain classics, showcasing Ruffin’s unique vocal style and emotional depth. Despite his personal struggles, David Ruffin’s contributions to music are undeniable.

Wrapping Up the Life Story of a Legendary Musician

David Ruffin’s life was a rollercoaster ride of incredible highs and heart-wrenching lows. While his journey had its share of bumps and bruises, his legacy as a soul legend remains untarnished. Whether it’s his unforgettable hits with The Temptations or the solo tracks that showcased his raw talent, Ruffin’s music continues to resonate.