David Ruffin
David Ruffin Background information Birth name Davis Eli Ruffin Height 6'3 Born (1941-01-18)January 18, 1941 Whynot, Mississippi, U.S. Died June 1, 1991(1991-06-01) (aged 50) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Genres R&B, pop, soul, disco, gospel Occupation(s) Singer Instruments Vocals, drums Years active 1956–1991 Labels Anna, Chess, Motown, Warner Bros., RCA Associated acts The Temptations, Eddie Kendrick, Jimmy Ruffin Davis Eli "David" Ruffin (January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer and musician most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of The Temptations (1964–68) during the group's "Classic Five" period as it was later known. He was the lead voice on such famous songs as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." Known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with The Temptations. Fellow Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye once said admiringly of Ruffin that, "I heard [in his voice] a strength my own voice lacked."