David Ruffin’s Onstage Scandal: The Las Vegas Incident of 1968

Introduction

In 1968, David Ruffin, the iconic lead singer of The Temptations, became embroiled in a notorious scandal that would alter the course of the band’s history. During a highly anticipated performance in Las Vegas, Ruffin arrived visibly intoxicated, unable to deliver his usual vocal prowess. This reckless behavior shocked both the audience and his bandmates, leading to a public outburst of frustration within the group.

The Temptations, who had already been dealing with growing tensions among their members, were pushed to their breaking point by this incident. Ruffin’s struggle with alcohol and personal issues had already been causing friction within the group, but this onstage mishap was the final straw. His inability to perform to the high standards expected of him enraged the remaining members, prompting them to remove him from the group once again.

Background

While Ruffin had previously been dismissed from the band for his behavior in the mid-1960s, this scandal would leave an indelible mark on The Temptations legacy. Despite attempts at reconciliation and occasional reunions on stage, the relationship between Ruffin and his former bandmates became increasingly strained. The tensions were never fully resolved, and Ruffin’s departure in 1968 marked the end of his time as a permanent member of the group.

Though Ruffin went on to pursue a solo career, his scandalous behavior in Las Vegas remains one of the most significant moments in The Temptations‘ tumultuous history. The incident not only highlighted the personal struggles of one of soul music’s most gifted voices but also marked a turning point in the band’s evolution, forcing them to adapt and persevere through personal conflicts that would shape their future.

Despite this scandal, Ruffin’s contributions to The Temptations‘ early success are undeniable, and his legacy as one of the most powerful voices in Motown history endures. However, the Las Vegas incident will always be a reminder of the challenges that even the most talented artists can face in the unpredictable world of show business.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Somewhere there should be for all the world to see
A statue of a fool made of stone
An image of a man who let love slip through his hand
And then let him stand there all alone

So build a statue, and oh, build it high
So the world can see
And inscribe, “The World’s Greatest Fool”
And name it after me

Mm, and there on his face, a gold tear should be placed
To honor every tear he shed
And I think it would show and everyone would know
Concealed inside is a broken heart

So build a statue, and oh, build it high
So the world can see
And inscribe, “The World’s Greatest Fool”
And name it after me

Mm, mm, mm-mm

So build a statue, and oh, build it high
So that all can see
And inscribe, “The World’s Greatest Fool”
And name it after me, yeah
And name it after me