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David Ruffin (I) (1941–1991)

Soundtrack

The man most of us know by his unmistakable, calming yet disturbed raspy voice was born Davis Eli Ruffin on January 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi. His father, Eli Ruffin, was a Baptist minister. Only months after his birth his mother Ophelia Ruffin died, and his father later remarried, to a schoolteacher... See full bio »

Born:

Davis Eli Ruffin
in Wyanot, Mississippi, USA

Died:

(age 50) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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Known For


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Filmography

Hide HideSoundtrack (1 title)
1995 The Addiction (performer: "Addiction")
 
Show ShowSelf (16 titles)
1990 Grammy Legends (TV special)
Himself (as The Temptations)
 
1973-1988 Soul Train (TV series documentary)
Guest / Himself
– David Ruffin and Eddie Kenricks/Dana Dane/Morris Day (1988) … Himself
– Episode #9.5 (1979) … Guest
– Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan/David Ruffin (1975) … Guest
– The O'Jays/David Ruffin/Sylvia Robinson (1973) … Guest
 
1987 Dancin' in the Street (video documentary)
Himself
 
1986 Sun City: Artists United Against Apartheid (video documentary)
Himself
 
1985 MTV Video Music Awards 1985 (TV special)
Himself - Performer (as The Temptations)
 
1985 Live Aid (TV special documentary)
Himself
 
1975 New American Bandstand 1965 (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #19.10 (1975) … Himself
 
1970 Della (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #1.167 (1970) … Himself
 
1968 Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV series)
Himself - Guest Performer
– Episode #1.6 (1968) … Himself - Guest Performer
 
1967 The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #2.14 (1967) … Himself
 
1967 The Ed Sullivan Show (TV series)
Singer
– Episode #21.11 (1967) … Singer (as The Temptations)
– Episode #20.38 (1967) … Singer (as The Temptations)
 
1966 The Lloyd Thaxton Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 17 February 1966 (1966) … Himself (as The Temptations)
 
1965 It's What's Happening, Baby! (TV movie)
Himself (as The Temptations)
 
1965 Ready, Steady, Go! (TV series)
Himself
– The Sound of Motown (1965) … Himself (as The Temptations)
– Episode #2.28 (1965) … Himself (as The Temptations)
 
1965 Thank Your Lucky Stars (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #7.25 (1965) … Himself (as The Temptations)
 
1965 Shindig! (TV series)
Himself - Singer
– Episode #1.23 (1965) … Himself - Singer (as The Temptations)
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (8 titles)
2012 Unsung (TV series documentary)
 
2004 TV in Black: The First Fifty Years (video documentary)
Himself
 
1998 The Temptations (TV movie)
Man in Coppa Cabana (archive sound) (also as The Temptations)
 
1998 Motown 40: The Music Is Forever (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1992 The Original Leads of the Temptations (video documentary)
Himself
 
1990 Smokey Robinson: The Quiet Legend (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1983 Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (TV documentary)
Himself (Temptations member/solo artist)
 
1969 Say Brother (TV series)
 
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Personal Details

Other Works:

(????) Single: Sang lead on The Temptations' hit "(I know) I'm Losing You" (Gordy Records) See more »

Publicity Listings:

1 Biographical Movie  | See more »

Alternate Names:

The Temptations

Height:

6' 3" (1.91 m)
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Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

At the beginning of the first couple of shows by myself, I'd be singing and then make a move as if to go into the background, but there wasn't any background. In the first couple of shows, that was missed. Now when I walk on . . . I have more room to walk. See more »

Trivia:

Ex-brother-in-law of Clara Jackson. See more »

Trademark:

His signature move during his performances was to spin around, tossing the microphone from one hand to the other, drop to the floor with a leg split, and then rise back up. See more »

Nickname:

Ruff See more »

Star Sign:

Capricorn