David Eli Ruffin born Davis Eli Ruffin on January 18, 1941, was an American soul singer and musician best remembered for his role as one of the Temptations’ lead singers (1964–68) during the group’s “Classic Five” period. He was the lead singer on hit songs including “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”
He was the third child of Baptist clergyman Elias “Eli” Ruffin and Ophelia Ruffin. Quincy B. Ruffin, Reada Mae Ruffin, and Jimmy Lee Ruffin were his siblings. Rosine, Ruffin’s other sister, died when she was a child.
Ruffin moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, at the age of 15 to work with jazz pianist Phineas Newborn, Sr. They performed at the Fifty Grand Ballroom and Casino in Las Vegas.
Ruffin, who was billed as Little David Bush, continued to sing at talent events, worked with horses at a jockey club, and eventually joined The Dixie Nightingales. After Johnnie Taylor’s departure, he temporarily sang with The Soul Stirrers.
Ruffin encountered Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Frankie Lymon, Bobby Womack, The Staple Singers, Swan Silvertones, and The Dixie Hummingbirds during his travels as a youth.
Who took David Ruffin’s place in The Temptations?
Dennis Edwards Jr. replaced David Ruffin in the temptation.
Dennis Edwards Jr. born February 3, 1943, was an American soul and R&B singer best remembered as the vocalist for Motown Records’ The Temptations.
Edwards replaced David Ruffin in the Temptations in 1968 and performed with them from 1968 to 1976, from 1980 to 1984, and from 1987 to 1989.
He attempted a solo career in the mid-1980s, earning a hit with “Don’t Look Any Further” in 1984. (featuring Siedah Garrett).
Edwards was the lead singer of The Temptations Review, a Temptations splinter group, until his death.
