David Eli Ruffin, born Davis Eli Ruffin on January 18, 1941, was an American soul singer and musician best known as the Temptations’ lead singer from 1964 to 1968, during the group’s “Classic Five” era. On renowned songs like “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” he sang lead.
He was the third child of Baptist minister Elias “Eli” Ruffin and his wife, Ophelia Ruffin. His siblings were Quincy B. Ruffin, Reada Mae Ruffin, and Jimmy Lee Ruffin. Ruffin’s other sister, Rosine, died when she was a youngster.
At the age of 15, Ruffin traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to work with jazz pianist Phineas Newborn, Sr. They performed in Las Vegas’ Fifty Grand Ballroom and Casino.
What happened to David Ruffin as a child?
The Ruffins’ mother died while David was a baby, and their father, Eli Ruffin, later compelled the siblings to form the Spiritual Trying Four, a singing group.
“On Sundays, Mr. Eli would take them from church to church, and people would feel sad for these motherless children,” Gina explained.
