*Before this Black History Month is over, I’d like to remind those of the civil rights era, and perhaps introduce to newer generations the importance of the voice of Motown’s David Ruffin.
I will mention a list of the most familiar songs, and hyperlink some you may not have heard before.
David came on the national scene in 1965 as the lead singer on “My Girl” by The Temptations on the Gordy label. Written by Smokey Robinson, the succession of Smokey-penned songs led by David included “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “My Baby,” and other songs that were either B-sides (e.g. “You’ll Lose A Precious Love”) or album cuts.
Now you have to understand while Smokey was writing for the Tempts, he was also writing for Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, and others under the Motown umbrella. He’d had a long string of hits with Mary Wells, and on top of all that, he was the lead singer of his own group, The Miracles.
In 1966 the Tempts were assigned to producer Norman Whitfield who recorded them on hits like “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “Beauty’s Only Skin Deep,” “I’m Losing You,” and “Wish It Would Rain.” The B-side of “All I Need,” “Sorry Is A Sorry Word” is one of my favorites.
Soon afterward David departed from the Tempts, but his soulfulness did not depart from him. Let’s go back to pre-Temptations when David was a solo artist. He recorded a local hit “Action Speaks Louder Than Words.”
Then post-Tempts he recorded more songs that showcased his talent:
David “preached” his way through a lot of songs like “I’m So Glad I Fell For You.” There are so many more you can find on YouTube including the album he recorded with his brother Jimmy Ruffin who is best known for “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted.” Let’s not forget the voice that gave us so much hope and strength during the tumultuous civil rights era.
Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: [email protected]
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Motown’s Cornelius Grant Recalls Origin of The Temptations’ Hit ‘I’m Losing You’ | VIDEO
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