Posted in: Oldies by tryone on April 1, 2009 | 7 Comments
Old school singer.
The great David Ruffin, is forever linked to the Temptations, as the greatest front man they have ever had. His showmanship is spectacular. His forte as lead singer stands mainly in the romantic field. But he let it me known on all his songs. His emotive was with the lyrics. This southern born stylist has his problems. But they no different than other problems we have. Just of a chemical dependency nature. Years removed from his unexpected death. You mention the Temptations. You most likely will hear his name mention first. Not that each individualmember didn’t contribute.
I’m amazed that people like to say he had a big ego. But what main lead singer didn’t. If he did want the group to be called David Ruffin and the Temptations. You can’t lay the blame on him. Berry (dictator) Gordy cause the whole happening with putting Diana Ross, over the supremes. And Smokey Robinson over the miracles. A star of the biggiest soul group on motownwould seek that kind of recognition too! Now Gordy probably got offended about Mr. Ruffinasking about the accountant. But looking at the picture a little clearer now. David probably realize something was suspicious about their payments. Motown under Gordy leadership had had more royalty lawsuits then most record companies. And you got to question why he was so apprehensive during the sixties to avoid BMI or Ascap at the time. So as David was dismissed from the group. He still what sells the group spirit in today musical circles. Otis Williams book called The Temptations. Only made the other member looked more passionate and real. Although we real fans knew half of the movie had major mistake involved. Personally, The Ruffin estate needs to go back and closely examine the contracts signed by the late great David Ruffin. A slight wording probably can bring more to the estate.
A Fan April 8th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
That temptation story was shocking, I was so shocked at the way David was protrayed. David’s voice was…..so amazing, so so so amazing. I can not imagine why the story seemed so full of untruths. It’s scary the things rich people will do to be in a movie for money, it’s really scary.
The songs he lead perhaps should be left alone. Sorry,,it’s just not the same….
tryone April 9th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Yes, Otis Williams is now claiming. He has no way of controlling how people was potray in the movies. But it’s obvious was speculation in alot of situations. Example is if he wasn’t in the rose royce. How did he know what David Ruffin and the Alledge Drug Dealer wanted to name the group. And never did he potray his true self and problems in the movie
Tryone April 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
David and Eddie 1987 tour video is great. Sure Eddie voice has changed. They still did a great job.And the group Splendor, is more than worthy of being on that stage with the legendary leaders of the Temptations
tryone April 15th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Since Ali dismissal, and fill in for Barrington years ago. George Curtis(G.C.Cameron)bought sentimental feeling back. No too many frontman Otis hired have held up to matching or surpassing David. But David is a singer until himself. Honestly probably one of the greatest singer to enter the history of Motown. Get Cameron to participate for the 4 years he did was great. All the Cameron led albums are good listening. Mr. Ruffin would have beem extremely proud.
tryone April 20th, 2009 at 11:23 am
With the new material constantly coming out on David Ruffin. Highly written by some of the greatest writers in the label history. It do seems like Gordy might have been sabotaging his career. Once he question royalities accountanting. Berry Gordy, was aware, someone was watching his business as an artist. And once you consider trouble in anyway. You can bet. You’re on a black list somewhere. Think about it. You got Bristol, Mcmurray, Smokey Robinson writing and producing. So something wrong with this picture.
tryone May 5th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
The image of David Ruffin, has always been spoken of in a negative response. But by others, except the artists on Motown. Of course we fans over look Otis Williams opinion. Claims he had a major ego problem. Well, don’t we hear the same claims about Diana Ross. No producers has came out and claim David was hard to work with. And if he was. We must ask ourselves why some of the top tier worked with him after his departure from the Temptations. We know Norman Whitfield, Clay Mcmurray and Smokey contribute to the productions of him.
tryone May 11th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
David Ali, Ruffin is constantly a gentleman. But blessed he was. The pain he felt. And why died with him. Not to many kinships have spoken of his emotion. And what connection he had with his step mother. With an ex girlfriend book out on the Internet. You wonder why his ex-wives not penning their version of life with him. We fans realize he wasn’t a saint. But the man could sing.