DAVID RUFFIN GETS PERSONAL (DEATHAVERSARY) @DAVIDRUFFINJR / #DAVIDRUFFIN

[blewis9505]

Ots' personal life is as trashy as his personality. It's "my way or the highway." He's egocentric and greedy. Granted he made vocal choices that kept "that" sound through the years so he gets credit. But for being an all around good guy? Nope. For being fair and shareing the wealth? Nope. For looking out for the group members in a teamlike spirited fashion? Nope. Maybe that's why the women in his life are no longer interested nor do they care about him. Lonely, fat, greedy old man he is. ;/

[Yamcharotto]

@blewis9505 hey thats just the movie and the movie sucked because they didn't protray the characters correctly

[blewis9505]

@Yamcharotto Correction: It's not "just the movie." It's from people who've known and worked with him past and present--a few of whom I'm personally in touch with. 

[meanbluegreengirl101]

@Yamcharotto

The movie was great.

[Modelt5000]

THANK YOU for posting this beautiful Tribute to such a beautiful talent.I agree we should come to the site to show RESPECT not to hurt with words..One thing about Dennis he always mention that it was such a privilege and honor to have sung with such a talented group of men. I respect him for that more than a movie To Mr. Ruffin's family, We love him and we THANK YOU for sharing his talent and memories with us. David was the best,he will always be a TEMPTATION! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID !-18-12 RIP

[brokenzaphyr]

truly a gifted singer, his music will live forever.

[PaTudie]

David Ruffin was one in a million. Best singer...ever. Leon did an excellent job portraying him. At least I think so. I miss the Tempts. Days gone by. Life is slippin' away. "My Girl "will be my favorite song for the rest of my life.

[Spenser579]

David Ruffin was and is a great singer. He was truly a joy to hear the soul in his voice. May he finally be at peace.

[magnipotentmartha1]

David Ruffin, "SON" David Ruffin Jr. created this video to honor his father. Please show the young man, that like with every great man as his father, some respect. Etiquette is a lost art, this is the anniversary of his father's death. All negative comments shall be reframed. Ask yourself if this was my FATHER, WOULD WANT ANYONE TO SAID THESE HARSH REMARKS? A Proverb to remember, "When a man cannot speak for himself, let only his good memories, be told". David was loved.-Etiquette 101

[ChiTownzFyeNess]

You know what I don't get is, what does whupping ass and BEING THE VOICE OF A GROUP have to do with anything? In the 60's Women and Children got their asses whupped and nothing was done about it, If the LAW was called it was a Family matter period dot, James Brown whupped Tammi's ass wow You don't hear nothing being said about that. (Not that it's right EVER but it was a way of LIFE)....That's the past but David's voice will NEVER DIE! One thing's for TRUE David was The Temptations!!!!!!

[TearzGypsy]

I love this guy. My personal 2nd favorite vocalist of all times only second to Marvin. The Jesus band who feature them both on lead. 

[Tunes342]

R.I.P

[thatman234]

damn Leon looks just like this dude in the movie. Between him playing David Ruffin and Jamie Foxx playing Ray Charles it's scary!!!

[thatman234]

damn Leon looks just this dude.

[detroitspinner1]

As with any group you have to "start", regardless of who comes in the group. The Tempts were unique in that all could take the lead. It has been proven that no one individual is bigger than the group, especially with the talent that the Tempts had, and with other in-coming talent waiting to contribute...that was proven with the addition of Dennis Edwards after the departure of David, Ali Woodson after Dennis, Damon Harris after the departure of Eddie. Their legacy will forever be honored.!

[detroitspinner1]

As with any group you have to "start", regardless of who comes in the group. The Tempts were unique in that all could take the lead. It has been proven that no one individual is bigger than the group, especially with the talent that the Tempts had, and with othr in-coming talent waiting to contribute...that was proven with the addition of Dennis Edwards after the departure of David, Ali Woodson after Dennis, Damon Harris after the departure of Eddie. Each chapter has been defined.!

[JaeMilinaTV]

lmao at 1:14 i guess yall heard about the limousine with the glasses and everyone else was rideing in the station wagon so i guess that wasn't too appropriate but they could have rolled with me if they wanted too lmao that was just too funny

[anntheia59]

I know their first number # 1 hit was by David Ruffin. Yes Otis felt it was his group, in which you think about it, he had control issues, which is why Eddie and Dennis left.

[mynig4life]

Ain't nobody comin' to see you, Otis! You wish you could work it the way I do, but you can't! Because there is only one David Ruffin. And without him, the Temps ain't nothin' but a group in SEARCH of a David Ruffin. Matter of fact, I been thinkin'. We should call the group David Ruffin And The Temptations

[uranobody]

@mynig4life That line is from the movie which is Otis's account of what happened with the Temps. Otis is the only surviving original Temp left so, there is really no one to verify if that is what Ruffin said. Seem like there were two huge egos battling.

[ezekielthemack]

@mynig4life You're talking nonsense. Whilst David was an incredible singer, you're forgetting that Paul Williams was the original lead singer whose voice was arguably more powerful than David's, not mention Eddie Kendricks who sang most of the songs on arguably their best album "Temptin' Temptations".

[dienglee]

David Ruffin was a wonderful talent and a tremendous singer; but, he was a selfish asshole and regardless of what he says, he WAS fired.

[a1992aron]

@dienglee he wasnt fired, dennis edwards said it himself

[diktatorship]

"no he wasn't a saint and he didn't claim to be." Come on.. he beat women and children, was a druggie and left the temptations in disgrace. Yes, he had a talent but he abused it and basically his memory is ruined by his scumbag behaviour throughout his life.

[Caveman1006]

@diktatorship lol and who are you to judge...we all fuck up

[diktatorship]

@Caveman1006 We do, but there's a line you don't cross and beating up women and children while coked out of your eyeballs is pretty much it.

[Caveman1006]

@diktatorship true

[sharemysoul1]

@diktatorship I GREW UP IN MOTOWN TO THESE BRUTHA.S AND AM WITNESS TO THE DESTRUCTION OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. IT MAKES THE GOOD DO BAD.. PLAIN N SIMPLE AM LUCKY TO BE BREATHN, GOD BLESS THE TEMPS . TEMPS FOREVER.. PEACE

[U4Know2]

@diktatorship

OBVIOUSLY, YOU HAVE NEVER LEARNED ANY MANNERS IN YOUR 30 YEAR LIFE! I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT YOUR MEMORIAL ONE DAY WILL BE FILLED WITH WHAT A TOTAL HURRICANE SIZE AIR HEAD YOU ARE, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE THE BEST COMPLIMENT I COULD GIVE YOU! THIS IS A MEMORIAL POSTED BY A FAMILY MEMBER AS A TRIBUTE. GET OFF OF YOUTUBE, AND LEARN HOW TO CONDUCT YOURSELF, AS YOU ARE WAY PAST OUT OF LINE!

[thanhbites]

what a amazing singing voice this cat had .

[sirayokay]

the limo and the glasses..! lol. dam david i would have rode with you and did coke too. i would've lived the high road life with you man rip. " he aint me, he aint no david ruffin"!

[U4Know2]

Folks, you are viewing the greatest talent in soul music. No, he was NOT a Saint,

nor did he claim to be. This video is a MEMORIAL. Some people need to "brush up" on their manners, in regard to a few comments left.....SHAME ON YOU! Never before,or never again will the world know talent on the level of DAVID RUFFIN,,,,,,,,,,,,,,SOME KINDA' WONDERFUL! How he can touch your SOUL, bring JOY to your heart, and THRILL YOU like NO ONE EVER COULD !!! We DEARLY LOVE YOU DAVID RUFFIN !!!

[0UTLAW92]

man ruffian looks like the opposite of a junkie! look at his physique! nose holes are normal and teeth r a bit efed up!

[a1992aron]

@0UTLAW92 his teeth were like that ever since he was a tempt

[baythagod]

Thank you very much aside from Paul who I feel was more my type of singer, Ruff was a genius a true master of his craft......

[porn1978]

fuckin dope head.

[sealof1nation]

playa playa...

[nesa407]

God bless you David your music saved my life as a child.

[Militarymight101]

@nesa407 really? pardon me for asking but how?

[musikman324]

Paul was the lead singer,but it was Eddie who sang their first hit single, David was the heart and soul of the Temps,Eddie was the sweet-sweet falsetto who carried the group, but MEL was the bottom,they were the voices,and yes David quit the group,who knows how great they could have been,the empty years.

[MrMaru211b]

@musikman324 what bout otis ?

[gronlaf]

@MrMaru211b aint noboby coming to see you otis...lololololololol

[prettyswaggergirl]

i know that dude he lives in alabama now 

[RealityWorldNMuzik]

@prettyswaggergirl david ruffin is dead lil mama

[prettyswaggergirl]

@RealityWorldNMuzik oh its just this dude claims to be him in my city he be singing and dancing and peolpe give him money

[DandJRuffin]

@prettyswaggergirl Is this guy maybe his son? David Ruffin has a son who sings ...

[hhrmurray]

Happy birthday David, still my favorite singer.

[soulsister22]

happy birthday Day David you are missed

[a1992aron]

i believe when he says he didnt get kick out because he had a solo contract already but he was with the temps otis probably always said he goin kick him out but neva did it

[DandJRuffin]

@a1992aron It's not only David who says he didn't get kicked out. There are others too. Dennis Edwards said it openly in an interview -- and more than once. David Ruffin most likely quit -- and he was not the first or only one who did it.

[ekocentric]

I loved the music in the TEMPTATIONS movie but the story line just blows as far as I'm concerned. I guess that they had to have a story but it did not tell the truth about Melvins death and illness or Paul's death...not many rt handers shoot themselves on the left side of the head.

The movie made some of the members look pretty lame.

[Planetbinxs]

he smoked to much crack...or freebase cocain...for days.

[lawyounger]

@Planetbinxs oh shut up!!

[Planetbinxs]

@lawyounger You know it's true...but still I give respect to the man

[MrMaru211b]

RUFFIN WAS SO MELLOW HE ACT LIKE HE SMOKE MORE WEED DEN ANYTHING

[yanel75]

AINT NOBODY COME SEE YOU OTIS!!!!! YOU WISH YOU CAN WORK IT LIKE ME, BUT YOU CAN'T, CAUSE THERE IS ONLY ONE DAVID RUFFIN!!!!!

[dogcat126]

david is one of the greats and i love him. i'm 62 and was there when all these great soul singers and groups. i wish he could have gotten thru his demons and stayed with us. alot of people have demons-i have been where david was and i am still here,but only by the grace of my higher power and lots of wonderful,caring people and groups. i have cancer in remission,but thats ok because thanks to people like you who post these songs, i can listen to david and many others. thanx again for posting!!

[TheMackado]

My Man King David the title is not exaggerated David was still a King when he left the Temps,LONG LIVE THE KING, FOREVER,R.I.P, MY NUBIAN BROTHER

[nobodyelse9]

No doubt about the great voice of of david ruffin...not in dispute..nor his shared passion with james brown regarding the splendid treatment of a one THOMASINA MONTGOMERY......

[mjjcng8958]

damn david you couldnt let go of the damn cocaine!! man im really curious about your story!!

[temptsfan2]

It is fascinating to hear his speaking voice, something we don't hear very often. Some singers have distinctive speaking voices, but I would never have guessed that he could blow so powerfully just from listening to him here. Seems like he became someone else with the microphone and in the studio.As for the business differences, I think that is a legit point. I think David was one of the first Motown artists to question Berry's financial arrangements. I'm sure that was not well received.

[a1992aron]

@temptsfan2 ccuz he was da shit he knew it nd they knew it

[intjurban]

I can't hear this man singing without crying...crying because no one sings like this anymore so it's precious, rare; and crying because his voice is some of the first sounds of my childhood...miss those times. None like him...none.

[MrYoungro2]

where can i see the full interview

[Mj4Eternity58]

Such A Touching Video Memorial!!!!

[FlintJuice1]

LOVE YOU AND THIS MUSIC WAS 16 YEARS BEFORE MY TIME

[TheMidcoast1]

There is no denying that the man was the best at what he did and was extremely soulful. He was in my O the best lead in the history of The Temptations. Such a lost...

[PaTudie]

David will always be the best. I LOVE how David Jr has the exact...same lips!! Awesome!

[a1992aron]

@40

[a1992aron]

Did anybody notice him blink all hard at 40

[lwj24]

@a1992aron yea, kinda wierd

[a1992aron]

he still looks the same after all those years on drugs

[zookat]

Thanks for sharing this, Ruff, jr.

[a1992aron]

yess! no dislikes

[skipper8257]

You have to love David, what a class act. So well spoken and such a gifted singer. Gone way to early. R.I.P. to all the great Temps that have left us.

[DandJRuffin]

From what I've heard, David wanted out of the Tempts -- but even more so out of that contract with Gordy. David was signed as a solo artist with Motown, but Gordy did not let him go after he'd left the Temptations. So, in my opinion, David tried anything to get kicked out -- but unfortunately, he was stuck with Gordy and Co. David's behavior was portrayed as stupid and drug related by those of his "friends" who wanted it to be viewed that way -- in my opinion.

[cowboys3000]

"They could have rode with me if they wanted to. ahehe"

lmao I love that part.

[mjjcng8958]

@cowboys3000 lol

[Mj4Eternity58]

Thank You So Much Dave Jr, 4 Uploading This Footage!!!!

[123djblive]

@Mj4Eternity58 Yes thank you!! There are 2 sides to a story.. Most of that Temptation movie was bullshit and hollywood.!! Don't believe every documentry you see on film or book!!

[Mj4Eternity58]

I Love You Dave!!!

[MsJoyce1940]

Can it be 19 years today...Just perfect Jr...LY, Jody

[sheltiepaws1]

We lost another great singer:(

RIP David:)

Love you

God Bless

[ruh1000]

I love DavidRuffin and Eddie Kindricks if not for them thier would not be The Temptations. Love them for everXXXX

[ruh1000]

I love DavidRuffin and Eddie Kindricks if not for them thier would not be The Temptations. Love them for everXXXX

[johnnyw12]

RIPDavid Ruffin I hope you found peace with God!!

[magicdancer32208]

The Movie was one mans/ego perception of what happened. David Sr earned the right at the mic to sing lead!  No Question of his talent and ablitiy! This man was the Temptations along with Eddie Kendrick.

[antij1]

The Temptations would not have been half of what they were without David Ruffin. I know that.

[Slimhost216]

david ruffin speaking the truth

[agochoa]

I hated how wrong the movie was. I wish they couldve portyayed david a little more closer to reality. Same with Eddie and Paul. The look was there but it was as if the story wasnt told enough.

[stevieplez2]

Yeah yo are right agochoa, you gotta realize that it's a movie and it's Otis's version... these interviews will dispell the rumors cnad I kind of feel like u, they weren't represented right

[nutothis1]

@agochoa you are right. there seems to be a lot of contradictions between the movie and otis williams' book. first of all, paul did not beg to stay in the group. due to his illness, he suggested that the group go on w/o him, but remained as needed. paul seemed like a very no-nonsense guy. also, in otis' book, paul did not require the adulation that he seemed to in the movie.

[soulsister22]

Happy B-Day 2 DR rest in peace

[davidruffin1969]

happy 69th birthday David Ruffin much love to you sir you are more than motown you are music from our hearts and souls thank you very much

[Ron0968]

Can someone plez tell me how did they find actors that look soooo much like the real ppl of whom they was acting in the temptations the movie? Dude look just like david... Great man great group and great legacy

[tommiexander]

Oh this makes me want to cry. David, Eddie and Paul could be still with us today if they had not abused themselves, with drugs, alcohol, and smoking. David was a beautiful man, with an exceptional voice. (Not only singing, but speaking as well.) I adored him in so many ways and so did many, many others. All of this was just taken away from us way too soon.

[mistermarcusgmail]

Melvin abused pain killers...so he should be considered along with the rest of them.

It's sad when he says that there would come a day he would tell his story - and he never got his chance. All we have is the word of Otis Williams, and we don't know necessarily that his version is the whole truth.

[tommiexander]

In a sense I guess you're right about Melvin. In one of Eddie Kendricks last interviews, he also made the statement that he would tell his story one day. And neither of them got the chance. Otis Williams story would carry more weight if at least Melvin Franklin would have still been around to tell his version of the life of the Temptations.

[tuzwol]

David, Eddie, and Melvin were alive when Otis' book came out in 1988, and they didnt object to what was in the book

[ranmae57]

otis can only speak for himself and he know's that!

[bobbyroy8]

@ranmae57 you are correct and did you notice that David was respectful of the Temptations and did not say negative things about them. Something Otis should have done.

[Redcar43]

still luv ya David RIP

[ladyjae65]

Seeing his obituary is so sad to read, being only 50 and all. He was my favorite as a young girl and still is. His voice was so great . God Bless to his family always!

[zariahnyree]

I wanna know where we can get more video interviews of David? I cant get enough

[chokoboy5578]

i think its a lie him leavin tha group his ego wont let him think he was fired the temptations was the greatist thing 2 happen 2 him y would he leave so early but he is very taletend wit a voice like his u should have an ego

[DandJRuffin]

Well, David was the greatest thing to happen for The "hitless" Temptations. That much is for sure. He brought them their first big hit. Remember? I think the one group member with the biggest ego-problem compared to his talent (voice wise) was/is Otis Williams, though.

[Slimhost216]

i believe the same thing

[hirskdubbi]

@DandJRuffin NOOOO,smokey robinson brought them their first hit,doesnt matter who sung it.The song was destined to be a hit.Not to take anything away from the great Ruffin

[kyante4giants]

@DandJRuffin actually EDDDIE KENDRICKS brought the "hitless" temptations their first big hit Mr. Ruffin just happened to had recently joined the group and helped back up sing on their first hit "The way you do the things you do"

[Domini478]

@DandJRuffin STFU!!! Davis was on drugs and he started doing stupid things like missing practices...Otis was the boss and he did the right thing!

[DandJRuffin]

@Domini478 That is YOUR opinion and most likely based on O's pseudo bio pic. Btw. all of them did drugs -- even St. Otis lol.

[MusicandDancing4Ever]

Ditto, after seeing The Temptations movie and listening to Otis Williams, it seems Otis was also the one with an ego. He didn't want anyone outshining him and that's what David was doing. I don't like the things Ruff did in life, but he was a wonderful singer. Otis may be the owner of the group, but with him alone and his lackluster voice, the group wouldn't have been big without David, Paul, and Eddie. Something is wrong when theres been as many Tempts as there's been. The problem may be O.

[MrMaru211b]

@MusicandDancing4Ever THIS WHAT BEEN SAYING MAN OTIS WUZ THE ONE WIT A EGO PLAYAHATING ON ALL THE LEAD SINGERS IN DA TEMPS EVEN AFTER RUFFIN AND KENDRICKS LEFT HE IS THA ONLY 1 THAT NEVER GOT FIRED

[tedkay]

@MusicandDancing4Ever Check out Otis williams interview ! type in, Otis Williams interview part 0ne, it's a 4 part series it may explains Otis role in the group as not being a primary vocalist but the glue, he is one of the famous back ground singers of all time! SO! no ego~ He knew his role and that's why the Temptations music and sound have stood the test of time~! every singing group needs a Otis/ GLUE ! how many groups from the 60's are still relevant and still performing ? N/A LOL!~

[BruhMan09]

@MusicandDancing4Ever I agree with you all the way. I respect Otis for his contributions to make the Temptations one of the greatest groups. I also feel he takes WAY TOO MUCH credit and always seems to downplay the importance of David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards. In his book and the movie he made those guys look like selfish prima donnas with bad attitudes. With three ex-wives and 20+ tempt members, Otis is the last person who should judge anybody

[TheCookiej1991]

@DandJRuffin every one of them was talented and eddie had the best voice next to david

[valeriechiri]

@DandJRuffin All due respect to you, I didn't know either of them, but I do know that Otis is one of the groups' leaders. Sometimes wen we have to take charge--it comes off as ego. Maybe it wasn't ego, perhaps it was him firmly managing. Again, I don't know either of them. U have to Give Credit Where It Is Due! He is a Pioneer. So with out him and other(s) we wouldn't be listening to The Temptations at all, is wat I'm sayin. I have luv 4 the group period. Peace be unto you.

[ekocentric]

@valeriechiri I agree with you...I seriously doubt if they had stayed on top for so long.

Personally, I don't know how they managed to stay together so long because they were probably with each other more than with their wives. Lol

[srercrcr]

@DandJRuffin I'm sorry Sir, but you are mistaken. Their first hit was THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO in Jan '64, lead was by Eddie Kendricks, David was in the background. It hit #11 Pop and #1 RnB. Signed, a witness.

[DandJRuffin]

@srercrcr I'm not arguing. But that depends on what charts you are citing. I think the Billboard R&B Single Charts are the ones to be considered correct. You probably refer to the Cashbox charts. I don't mean to take anything away from Eddie or the other C5 Tempts, though.

[Oaklandgirlpitlover1]

@DandJRuffin Do you have any proof to this statement?

[cougar11c]

After looking at pictures/videos, I'm just noticing how handsome David Ruffin is! When I was a child in the 1960's, I didn't appreciate his good looks because of the eyeglasses. (As a kid, I was drawn to Eddie because of his boyish innocent looks and that falsetto.) But as an adult, I see & appreciate his physical beauty. And his inner beauty definitely shined through in his passionate singing!

Tall, dark, and handsome, David means "beloved", and so he is by his many fans.

[zariahnyree]

Glasses are cute too!! LOL he was very handsome in my opinion and I love not only his singing voice but also his speaking voice. I wish he could have had to opportunity to be in movies or narrate stories

[U4Know2]

Bless you for sharing this video... a

treasure for all, who like myself, LOVE AND ADORE DAVID RUFFIN!!!

[zariahnyree]

Are there any more interviews on DVD or pictures? I would love to put together a commemorative DVD at no expense. I read several places that he did not grant many interviews but he has the most beautiful singing voice and speaking voice. I would watch "Common Man" over and over just to hear a snippet of his interview and the interview at the end of "Let your love rain down on me". Aw man this is beautiful! R.I.P D.R

[zariahnyree]

OMG! OMG! OMG! I love it!! I can watch this over and over!. I am extremely fascinated with his ingenuity and how he really honed his craft. Unfortunately he was not given proper recognition compared to other artists but there is an extremely large fan base for Mr. Ruffin.

[n0gar]

Boy, I guess he really was trippin. It is good to see another interview and I would have bought the DVD, but the DVD costs more than many DVD players!

[zariahnyree]

where did you see other interviews on DVD?

[lizgperry]

Beautiful tribute! Thank you David Jr.

[hotstephanie]

do you have the full interview?

[lizgperry]

The interview can be seen in "Original Leads of The Temptations" by Street Gold Entertainment and is easily purchased.

[elegant123fun]

Love you so much David, RIP

[zariahnyree]

I second that!

[muzicman20]

this is amazing do you have any other Ruffin interviews? i would love to see more of that interview or any other. he was the best i study him especially his stage persona wonderful

[luvdruffin]

This is touching. It is truly a treasure anytime to see actual footage of David.

[magicdancer32208]

Beautiful!! Your Dad lives on in YOU! Hugggss, Mimi~Added to his memorial page on myspace.

[VDubb08]

Thank you for this post, David's legacy still lives on throught his music. There will never be a voice like his, it was God given, heavenly, He could be rough and then sing like a bird. There is none that could compare to his astounding vocal range, and great stage personna.

[soulsister22]

Yes it was and experience and we love you David Ruffin R.I.P

[SkullyGz]

We love you David Ruffin {RIP}

[SkullyGz]

Yes it was!!

[N1RuffinFan]

He is still missed very much today. Just so happen about 3 weeks ago soulsister22 and myself visited his grave. It was quite an experience.

[Skyeler95]

Thank you so much!

[jous1rufn]

Thank you..David's voice was nothing short of a God given miracle..blessings

[bossyblufox]

ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!!!! David Ruffin continues to inspire the future of soul music. What can I say... The man kept it real. LoL :o)