DAVID RUFFIN: HE SAID HE WASN’T “FIRED” FROM THE TEMPTATIONS—BUT THE LIMO TOLD A DIFFERENT STORY
Few departures in Motown history have generated as much debate as David Ruffin’s 1968 exit from The Temptations. Ruffin, the electrifying voice behind classics including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “I Wish It Would Rain,” later rejected the simple story that he had merely been fired. Looking back, he described the split more as a moment when it was simply “time for a change” and the disagreements within the group could no longer be resolved.
Background
Behind that diplomatic explanation, however, tensions had been building for months. Ruffin wanted greater recognition as the group’s star lead singer and reportedly pushed for the act to become “David Ruffin & The Temptations,” following the precedent set when The Supremes became Diana Ross & The Supremes. He also challenged Motown over the group’s finances, demanding a clearer accounting of their earnings—a dispute that brought him into conflict with Berry Gordy and management.
Then there was the detail that became symbolic of the growing divide: the limousine.
As the other Temptations continued traveling together, Ruffin increasingly traveled separately in his own customized limousine. Contemporary accounts describe it as an extravagant, even mink-lined vehicle—an unmistakable sign that the man singing lead was beginning to see himself differently from the rest of the group.
Introduction
But the limousine alone didn’t end his Temptations career. Ruffin had also begun missing rehearsals, meetings and performances. The decisive moment came in June 1968, when he missed a scheduled engagement in Cleveland. Days later, the other Temptations formally removed him, and former Contours singer Dennis Edwards was brought in as his replacement.
The story became even more remarkable afterward. Ruffin wasn’t emotionally finished with The Temptations. He famously appeared unannounced at some early shows featuring Edwards, walked onto the stage and reclaimed the microphone during songs associated with his voice—sometimes to enormous audience applause.
More than half a century later, Ruffin’s departure remains a fascinating reminder of what happens when extraordinary talent, ambition, money and brotherhood collide. Whatever language one chooses—fired, separated, or simply “time for a change”—one thing was never in dispute:
David Ruffin left The Temptations, but that magnificent, aching voice never really left their story.
The Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Pre-Chorus]
I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?[Chorus]
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin’ ’bout my girl, my girl[Verse 2]
I’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me
I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees[Pre-Chorus]
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?