Jimmy Ruffin has died.
The Motown singer – who was best known for his 1966 hit ‘What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?’ – passed away at the age of 78 at his home in Las Vegas on Monday (17.11.14), his children Philicia and Jimmy Lee Ruffin have confirmed.
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy paid tribute to the ‘Gonna Give Her All the Love I Got’ hitmaker – whose brother David was an original member of the Temptations – and hailed him a "phenomenal singer" and a "wonderful human being".
He said in a statement: "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 favourites.
"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."
Philicia and Jimmy Lee also paid tribute to their dad as a "rare type of man"
who had "left his mark".
They said in a statement: "Jimmy Ruffin was a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry.
"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."
Jimmy enjoyed a lengthy career, signing a record deal in the early 1960s and enjoying chart success for several decades afterwards, with his track ‘Hold On To My Love’ a big hit in 1980 and his last album, ‘There Will Never Be Another You’, released in 2012.
Jimmy Ruffin dies
