If you visit many solo recordings that David Ruffin did after leaving the Temptations, you probably be more impressed that his solo efforts holds up or least surpass his work, with the group. There’s no denying that his membership was vital to the Temptations success. Sure, they exploded after his dismissal but many folks to this day feel that certain executives was simply following orders, of the dictator.
No names needs to be mention to whom was the reason or the cause. Ruffin created magic, when he was assigned certain writers songs to sing. Songs that, if left out , of the Temptations performances in concert would have ans wondering why?
We to honor David Ruffin, for his voice must also honor another important ingredient ,of the Temptations that contributed greatly to his personal, as a singer. That person and that man was choregrapher Cholly Atkins, who visualized steps according to each individual’s singer. And, one highly in the grop that profited, from his steps and moves was David Ruffin.
Visit any video performances, of the classic unit, of the sixties , and you will watch the way Kendricks, Williams, Franklin, Williams worked around the vocals, of Ruffin. We saw the same approached applied to Ali Woodson, when he was a member. Many rumors that we hear about David Ruffin seems to be , from distant sources with their own agenda. Also, we must give credit to Berry Gordy for offering Ruffin’s more opportunities to record for Motown, after leaving the Temptations.
Whatever grudge or conflict they alledged to had over disagreements could have ended his career? We, who idolize David Ruffin, mainly understands it’s because, of his talent. Which seems to get conflicted into his personal life. To which, wasn’t the reason we adore this gospel style vocalist that has other lead singers trying to model themselves upon him or the Temptations.
Sure, he wanted the group renamed David Ruffin and the Temptations, after certain executives went against common sense and highlighted other vocalist names , before their group. Notice, if they ever put together a true collections, of David Ruffin’s pre and post Temptations recording it would rival, the greatest hits, of the Temptations.
This man and the group , he fronted for four terrific years stands out, as one, of , a few groups that each singer that was a vital importance could have their own greatest hit. And, one just happens to be David Ruffin. Who forever will hold a important spot in their legacy?