Jimmy Ruffin, Motown Hitmaker and Soul Storyteller, Dies at 78
Jimmy Ruffin, the Motown singer whose aching, heartfelt voice helped define an era of soul music, has died at the age of 78. Best remembered for the timeless classic “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” Ruffin stood among the most emotionally expressive voices to emerge from the Motown family, even if his fame never quite matched the depth of his talent.
Background
Born in 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi, Ruffin grew up surrounded by gospel and blues before finding his way to Detroit and the Motown sound. He joined the label in the early 1960s, and in 1966, his career reached its defining moment with “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” a song that became both a major hit and a lasting anthem of loss and longing. Its success crossed racial and generational lines, earning a place in film soundtracks, radio playlists, and the emotional memory of millions.
Introduction
Though he was the older brother of David Ruffin of The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin carved his own path, known for a smoother, more wounded vocal style. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, he continued recording and performing, later finding renewed popularity in the UK and Europe.
Ruffin’s passing closes a chapter in Motown history, but his voice—tender, human, and honest—remains. His songs still speak to broken hearts, just as they always have.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
As I walk this land with broken dreamsI have visions of many thingsLove’s happiness is just an illusionFilled with sadness and confusionWhat becomes of the brokenhearted?Who’s had love that’s now departed?I know I’ve got to find some peace of mindMaybe the fruits of love grow all aroundBut for me, they come a tumblin’ downEvery day heartaches grow a little strongerI can’t find my way much longerHelp me; I’m searching though I don’t succeedTo satisfy this growing needIf there’s no wayNo chance for a beginningAll that’s left is an unhappy endingI walk in shadows, searching for lightCold and lone, no comfort in sightHoping and prayin’ for someone to careAlways movin’ and goin’ nowhereNow what’s become of the brokenhearted?Who’s had love that’s now departed?I know I’ve got to find some peace of mindI’ll be searching everywhereJust to find someone to careI’ll be looking everydayI know I’m gonna find a wayNothing’s gonna stop me nowI’ll find a way somehowI’ll be searching everywhereLookin’ for someone to share