10 best David Ruffin songs of all time

David Ruffin (real name Davis Eli Ruffin, 1941 - 1991) was an American soul singer and musician, better known to the general public as the lead singer of the Temptations (1964-1968) during the period of the "classic five", as it was later called.

Known for his unique "squeaky" tenor vocals, Ruffin was included in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, first in 2008 and then in 2023. As a member of the Temptations, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Walk Away from Love

"Walk Away from Love" is a song recorded by American singer David Ruffin in 1975. The single, which sold millions of copies, was written by Charles Kipps. It was number one on the US R&B singles chart for a week in early 1976. In Canada, the song reached number one.

"Walk Away from Love" was Ruffin's only number one R&B hit and one of two to reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 (the other was My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Leave Me)).

This song also became his only solo recording in the British charts, where it entered the top ten and reached number 10 in early 1976.

I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved

The ballad "I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved" was written in 1969 and belongs to the solo period of the singer's work. With raw emotions and impeccable vocal range, Rufin conveys the agony of lost love. His soulful voice invites listeners into a world of despair and longing, and the lyrics illustrate the devastating loss that has robbed him of everything he cherished.

Break My Heart

After several years at Motown, in 1979 Ruffin tried to start over with a new label and teamed up with Detroit producer Don Davis on the album Soon We Change. His emotional ballad "Break My Heart" became one of the top ten R&B hits. And although many music lovers have forgotten this song, we have not. Listen to it and tell us what you think.

You're My Peace of Mind

The song You're My Peace of Mind by David Ruffin was written by Van McCoy and first released by Faith Hope & Charity in 1976.

I Wanna Go Home

I Wanna Go Home was released in 1979 as part of the album "So Soon We Change". David Ruffin's voice sounds sincere and soulful. This shows his ability to evoke acute emotions in listeners. The composition has a melancholic melody and powerful lyrics.

Let's Get Into Something

"Let's Get Into Something" is a mixture of R&B and soul, with emotions in every note. The song peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100, #12 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #92 on the UK Singles Chart.

It Takes All Kinds of People

David Ruffin's song "It Takes All Kinds of People" reflects the concept of diversity and inclusiveness. The lyrics describe how people from different backgrounds come together to create a new world.

Statue of a Fool

"Statue of a Fool" is a song written by Ian Crutchfield that has been recorded by a number of country artists, including Jack Green, Brian Collins, Ricky Van Shelton, and Bill Medley. David Ruffin included this soul cover on his album My Whole World Ended (1969).

Slow Dance

The song "Slow Dance" is a composition from David Ruffin's last solo album "Gentleman Ruffin", released in 1980. The song was written by Curtis Hudson, Ron Sanders, and Roz Newberry.

Dinah

The song "Dinah" is a classic composition in the style of soul and R&B. It was released in 1969 as part of the album My Whole World Ended.

Dinah became one of Ruffin's most successful albums after he left The Temptations, cementing his status as an outstanding solo artist.