David Ruffin died in the E/R at U of Penn Hospital on June 1, 1991

On May 31, 1991 David Ruffin flew from London to Philadelphia. He carried with him was a briefcase containing $40,000.00 which was the payment for a week of concert appearances for David, Eddie and Dennis. Early on the morning of June 1, the money and the life of one of the iconic voices of rock 'n' roll history were lost.
Contact Tom: [e-mail]
www.TomMeros.com

[@wanted-33]

David Ruffin, a voice that can never be replaced.

[@Karl671]

Exactly

[@sashastowers91]

"Coz dey is only one DAVID RUFFIN"!.

[@kristopherguilbault5428]

The closest was his brother

[@thomastaylor1217]

Dennis Edwards was the only one who could've come close, not the same but definitely distinctive and raspy.

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

Amen

[@denisesimpson591]

David's voice was truly beautiful.

[@jeanpickett6040]

Denise Simpson. Yes it was

[@carmenlidia13]

Denise Simpson Facts 💯

[@deidragreer4958]

Yes it was!😔

[@rucianapollard4057]

It has been said that Marvin Gaye was jealous of Ruffin, because he thought Ruffin was a better singer than him. That's saying a lot!!

[@brodocbetty4856]

@@rucianapollard4057 Hope that's not the case, IMO Marvin could do more with his voice.

[@preciousbabydoll9793]

So sad, all three of these extremely talented men have passed on. Much love,respect and appreciation to them for sharing their gift of voice . RIP

[@jeanpickett6040]

Precious Baby Doll. Yes Rip

[@marionharrison2228]

Beautiful

[@glenchadwick420]

They have yet been able to match the beautiful harmony on the 70's mowtown group's. Till this day those groups sing in my heart❤

[@bobbiegordon4431]

Otis is the only original left

[@Karl671]

I know

[@raphaelmorancie7663]

My guy, David Ruffin one of the greatest singers ever.He will always be remembered.

[@sheilamull6769]

This man was a pure joy to listen to! When he sang, my entire body and soul felt him! He was raw talent! I pray he's in heaven, with God's love and mercy!

[@julzhepburn3688]

I guess he,ll need some mercy, all the great gifts he was given ,and yet he serverely beat his young girl friend ,the very young Tammi Terrell,,also a very gifted singer.i pray the joy he gave people means he forgives himself and finds peace🕊

[@Godsgirl405]

Me too! I’ve always described his voice as feeling like sipping an expensive, top of the line, fine cognac and I don’t even drink! But I image this is what it must feel like! 🤣

[@tamaramadison7563]

What Beautiful Voice Pure Talent and Legend is ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@latonyarichard5276]

Is it me or their arent to many voices anymore like this.

[@brotherLee340]

Not mainstream. Voices like this are prettt much only at Church now

[@AB-oi7ov]

Latonya Richard nope it’s not you

[@shareebrown727]

His story breaks my heart, yet his voice still melts my heart. BUT, you should hear his SON!!! David Ruffin, Jr. Look up "Cry Cry Cry" by David Ruffin, Jr. You WON'T be disappointed. He definitely has the genetic vocal impact of his father but shines with genuine talent of his OWN!!

[@LaQuintonHolliday]

Come to Mississippi, we gotcha

[@annacribbs4142]

No you right. There are definitely dying out. God bless 💯💯... Nothing or no one can replace them

[@Veekator]

David & Eddie will always be "The Voices".. sigh..Rip Paul, Melvin, Dennis, Eddie & David

[@324cmac]

Paul would have been right there with them if he'd been given a chance.

[@AbeJacoby]

It is very sad that so many of our talented artists die so young and tragically.

[@eleanorlean4123]

They may be lost to this Mother Earth but we here have their legacy of beautiful everlasting memories and music 🎶🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@africansapphire]

David Ruffin had the voice that whenever or wherever you heard it, it would grab your attention. And even though he is gone now, it's a blessing to be able to still listen.

[@SHELOPable]

Sad ending for a man who had the voice that will never be matched or replaced as the true lead singer of the Temptations. R.I.P. David Ruffin Sr.

[@lydiarobertson8063]

Drugs and the love of drugs, took so many talented souls from this world, RIP, to all of them...

[@barbaranichols2960]

Pandora

[@a.j.higgins1902]

When you think about Paul, Eddie, or David...it wasn't the thought of being invincible that killed them, it was the pain of being reminded they were human.

[@324cmac]

Eddie was the only one of the three who actually grew in wisdom after his fame. But, his addiction to cigarettes caught up with him. He loved both Paul and David, and tried to save them from themselves and their difficulties. I hope they are together now.

[@Lisa-kz7vw]

@@324cmac I agree I think he suffered in silence and their deaths really affected him he refused chemo had surgery to remove one of his lungs cancer still spread all so talented Paul was a sensitive man and fame was just to much for him. David had a very troubled childhood which lead him to drugs and eventually took his life all so sad.

[@marydarcy6603]

I first listened to the Temptations in 1965. I'm still listening.

[@johnanders571]

The issact same year , I really stảrted noticing them. Tho I could hear Eddie voice in the background.I could remember hearing it. Then David tôok the mic and bêcame my favorite singer singing my favorite song. Which òf course ís My Girl.

[@normathompson5743]

Awesome

[@christiandavis5332]

Thank you so much for honoring our brother David Ruffin

[@rosajohnson9413]

all that talent. never will see it again in my lifetime.

[@jeanreta3648]

Sad ending for such a great singer Rest in Peace

[@jeanmyers7113]

David Ruffin your voice will forever send shivers down my spine. What a sad sordid death for a man of your talents. R.I.P.

[@deidragreer4958]

He had a strong and powerful voice may he Rest In Peace!😔

[@richardcotton7854]

God, I wish you had beat that demon David. You were the best that ever was. RIP BIG MAN...

[@margearettarmstrong4779]

Amen

[@cookingwithtonya1269]

AMEN 😢💔

[@robertclarke8456]

Gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN. A TRULY UNIQUE VOICE.R.I.P. SOUL MAN.

[@notarealpresident6849]

🎵 🎤 David Ruffin was a great singer BUT the other 4 Temptations 🎤🎤🎤🎤 were just as great . 🎵

[@randidupri1649]

Not OTIS.!!!! Lol...🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Barnum1722]

Don t hate on david

[@doncooper1696]

@Judy Gaines David ruffin and Eddie Kendricks was the voice of the group David put the group on the map with better hits

[@margearettarmstrong4779]

They were great but they didn't have that swagger that made him greater and the couldn't sing like him he could sing anything and sound good they couldn't he was and still is the greatest ThE GOAT RIP David💕

[@lachellewilliams5433]

@@randidupri1649 forget you

[@susannemeuser1496]

What a sad ending of a REAL GREAT MAN...

[@mgj2005]

He had come off the tour with a case full of money. It wasn't long before the John Doe at the hospital was identified as David Ruffin. All I could say was that it was a tragic loss.

[@hanunahwest9102]

Did the other members get paid from the brief case.

[@johnbsmith]

We were lucky to see The Temps several times with different line ups. Even at the end although we'd never guess what was about to happen we saw David, Eddie and Dennis in Southport UK. They never failed us and we'll miss them for ever.

[@deloisjackson125]

David Ruffin had that voice that just made me melt like butter 🧈 whenever i heard his voice. 4ever will be my favorite temptations.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️, my prayer 🙏🏽 hand for the rest of these great guys of the group that has passed on. Miss you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bushmasterdaboss1360]

Still play temptations 2019 best group ever🔥🔥🔥💪

[@jameswilliams2085]

Three of the Greatest singers of all-time. David, Eddie and Dennis!!

[@Railfan56]

I got all choked up with tears in my eyes watching this video, thinking of this man David Ruffin and his golden voice. I can't imagine the pain he had to be addicted like that. RIP David Ruffin.

[@jonwatkins675]

For someone who appeared to have everything, something was truly missing.

[@hottew_twat3963]

he was brought up without love and surrounded by drugs

[@lanavarmatos8096]

No one sang better! He was the Temps best lead singer..Rest in peace.

[@dori7854]

Does it matter how this great man passed.. not a bit .. love his life.. thank you for the songs that made me happy..sad..crying while smiling..you controlled my emotions..your awesome still and always..my friend.

[@itsthatatm8345]

Very touching...

[@reginagaughan-kassery4575]

I listened to David Ruffin's Voice everyday locked in my room...from 6,7, 8 & 9th grade!! Rip my childhood idol!!!! You sang like an angel & now you'll be with them!!!!

[@wandathompson9857]

Rip David never never will there be another like him he was,my favorite still is

[@tiaragrey2930]

He had a wonderful strong voice. Truly missed. RIP. David.

[@mybike150]

What a loss! Such a talented singer and performer. There is none to replace him.

[@rosewelton2223]

Mosbyraid2000 none,or Eddie.. the 2standout original voices of the Temptation

[@edwardsrpopsverstrepensr4644]

What a Loss miss Listen to David's music on many Lonely rainy day Amen peace brother David 🤠🙏👍

[@tinahorton5115]

Not one voice no nope not at all

[@jasonbabilonia3037]

So sad, lord have mercy and give us strength to fight the devil.

[@truthseeker2137]

Amen

[@tswrench]

David Ruffin's gift was immense, and it seems to me that his gift was tempered with a lot of pain. Between his gift and his pain was a point from which all that soul flowed, and it was astonishing to witness how deep it went with David. When he served his gift, we were all enriched, and I just hope he knew that many, many people have felt and continue to feel this way about him and what he was able to do in his lifetime.

[@DetroitLives313]

I saw him at his last performance in Detroit. The next time was at his funeral. Rest in peace David.

[@BrettSonicBluBlumfieldVideos]

Man, that would have been really something to see. Wish I could have been out there for that.

[@freezonetrumpet]

In a sad sidebar UPI reported that Eddie Kendricks was arrested at David's funeral for child support arrears. He passed 15 months later from lung cancer.

[@adriennelee113061]

Temptation

[@seekerone8368]

freezonetrumpet : They could had given Eddie a little respect and waited until the funeral was over, or even talked to him.

[@bronzebeautybrown3949]

Barry Gordy bailed Eddie out

[@martintanksley3561]

No matter WHO you are, keep your talent intact, stay away from those who are CRABS (women. men. managers, family members, etc), and most importantly stay away from the DRUGS..they will ruin you-TRUST!!!

[@sharris3624]

Never lost that voice!!!!

[@thebigcaramel8369]

Thanks Mr. Meros, your description of David Ruffins struggle with addition heart felt and touching. I first heard the temptation as a 16 year old and never forgot it.

[@marilynhudson8426]

TEMPTING TEMPTATIONS!!. THAT'S WHAT WE CALLED THEM IN HIGH SCHOOL..THEY WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF MY LIFE. 'RIP' DAVID, PAUL, AND EDDIE. LOVE YOU♥♥♥.

[@johnanders571]

Dont fogẻt Melvin.

[@irmadelgado5517]

So sad. Such great voices. My favorite music. I wish he could of stopped the drugs.

[@tanyamichelle696]

I lOVE that voice and all those Great songs!! RIP David Ruffin, whose still loving and listening to this music?? This music is Genius!!💖😘👏👏👏

[@scretching08]

I remember it well. I was 26 years old, and It was a sad day. I grew up listening to my mother's music, the MOTOWN SOUND, he was definitely one o those great singers and Motown legend. Drugs kill!

[@JRob594]

"Ain't nobody coming to see you Otis" lol RIP David

[@vernicialucas7560]

You wish you could work it like me but you can't! Cause there's only one David ruffin.

[@barbarasamuel2546]

You're absolutely right. I would rather see David, Eddie and Dennis than Ottis.

[@chrismorgan8200]

"They coming to see me, you wish you can work it like I can BUT YOU CAN'T"

[@jaydub8596]

You all seem to forget that otis was the one who put this group together...he was the brain the boss and if it were not for him there would be no David, no Eddie, no Dennis...give some respect to Otis...the man who created the Temptations. With the exception of Eddie and maybe Dennis...David was a waste of GREAT TALENT...who let the drug and ego demons get the best of him..Man imagine how it would of turned out if all was well from the beginning and they decided to add Dennis as an extra tempt. The thought scares me.

[@jeed2924]

It was the drugs talking. I love David, his voice, he had it all.........Until he allowed his drug supplier to pump up his ego, encouranging him to make demands, wanting to change the name of the group. Turning up late for shows, can't hold the mike with a steady hand, his hand shaking like a leaf with the mike in it. It was embarrassing and an insult to the fans. But his inflated ego, would not allow him to see that he was breaking up the group.....Such a pity. So yes it was him the fans were coming to see. BUT WHAT DID HAPPENED after he started his solo career with his great voice? It did not LAST very long........Did it!.......which is why he should have gotten rid of the drug pusher, and make peace with the group..........They would either be on tour or recording instead of him blowing away $40,000.00 in a crack house!!!

[@laurasimpson2827]

HE ALSO WAS ONE THE GREATEST SINGER WE EVER HAD MAY YOU RIP ALWAYS

[@robertolsen2467]

There will NEVER be another DAVID; Sure , he had his demons......Dont we all? Problem is, most, if not all - of us- will NEVER have David's talent. RIP, & God be with you, David.

[@bamahammer3660]

I grew up listening to the Temptations in their prime. I use to listen to my relatives argue how David Ruffin gifted in voice was always considered a renegade in the group. When Paul and Eddie died to me the Temptations just were never the same. With all the gifted lead voices in the group everyone knew some new hit record would be coming out of Motown. To me the music back then always had a clear message that everyone could relate too. Every singing group back then each had their own unique sound and I option find myself daydreaming when I hear music of that era. I have 140 songs downloaded from that era and occasionally I just like to drive 200 miles out of town and listen to the music while taking in the scenery. To me the trip is breath taking and relaxing. My all the great voices of the past rest in peace.

[@lillowere632]

Rest In Peace David. Amen and Amen. Loved The Temptations. Ooh Boy.

[@nadinebock9181]

Such a great loss. These men were so talented. Loved to listen to them in my younger days and today every time I hear a song of theirs I have chills. Their music touched you down to your soul.

[@Rickblues46]

Just love that a man ain’t “susspost “ to cry .. just how Otis Redding and many other great singers used to pronounce that word

[@prickleb8796]

It was a hard fight bro ...... the demon may have gotten the upper hand of you . It has finally devoured your body but deep down inside I know that your spiritual soul has now found everlasting Peace. Rest well my brother knowing that what you left us with can never be recreated nor can it ever be destroyed. A heart full of gold ......that's what you were bro .......thank for sharing ... your work here on this earth is done ......for your legacy will live on forever and forever in our hearts too . Blessing ..one Jamaican universal Rasta love

[@ltruthteller4548]

His voice was still strong

[@bobbiebentonf6761]

I HATE DRUGS, I KNOW HATE IS A STRONG WORD. DRUGS KILLED DAVID RUFFIN IN PHILADELPHIA. DRUGS KILLED MY EX-HUSBAND WHO WAS A THIRD YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT, DOING DRUGS IN A PHILADELPHIA CRACKHOUSE. LET'S PRAY THAT PEOPLE WILL HEED THE WARNING OF ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE FALLEN TO DRUGS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO ATTEMPT TO HELP ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT IS BATTLING DRUG ADDICTION. TO DAVID'S FAMILY, JUST KNOW THAT HIS LEGACY IS SECURED IN THE WONDERFUL MUSIC HE LEFT FOR US. IT LIFTS ME UP AND MAKES ME DANCE AND SMILE, SO DAVID IS STILL ALIVE IN ALL OF US. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE HAD HIM. GOD BLESS

[@marjorieharris965]

So dumb, who would take 40,000 to a crack house? drugs are terrible and most entertainers use them. guess it makes you perform better. but the outcome is fatal.

[@tyronerogers6829]

Let's remember him for his beautiful voice Talent 🎶

[@dawnmaness9026]

I will always love this song!!!!! I still tears every time I hear it!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kaybullo5291]

WE ALL LOVED DAVID RUFFIN, SO MUCH HE REALLY WAS THE " TEMPTATIONS" THANK YOU DAVID ................ REST IN PEACE.....................

[@bobbiewebb426]

Part of a group. That what he though.that why he was let go.

[@watchingutube1246]

This broke my heart!! All the beautiful music this man gave us.RIP Mr.Ruffin

[@jackiemzpocahontas5913]

2020 still blasting David RUFFIN/The Temptations ❤️❤️❤️ I’m 32 love old school music 🎶 this is real talent here!!!

[@patriciajohnson3193]

David Was 2 Me One Of The Greatest Of All The Temptations RIP (Mr. Ruffin) As You Called

[@lovelylynn5257]

R.I.P. Ruff, Eddie, Blue & Paul 😓Temptations forever

[@margearettarmstrong4779]

Broke my heart to hear how he died,that show you what drugs will do.I love his songs.He was one of the greatest singers we lost too soon.I never saw him in person through his songs I feel like I knew him.I miss him.😟😥😭😪RIP David💕

[@tanataylor5629]

Temps For Life Eddie and Ruffin!

[@cindyrolle6476]

The greatest male group that ever walked the face of the earth

[@andreahayes2732]

Absolutely!!!!

[@TJ-vl2zl]

Sad,that this man had passed away. I'm 43 years of age I wish I had been born in The days to grow up to this type of music...awsum voice.

[@biggswedge1936]

Rick James -"Cocaine is a hell of a drug" RIP David

[@19761999]

Stay away from drugs my brothers and sisters. If you abuse drugs it’s not going to end well, no matter who you are.

[@timothyypearson]

His voice still was intact wow still sounded good

[@jackiethompkins2190]

He was my Boyfriend in my mind all jokes aside I loved his voice he was awesome artist thank you,

[@ezekielmajor5511]

I live in Philly, born and raised, and never knew he died here. How sad to just push a dying man out of a limo and just pull off. What kind of a person would do that? I hate this world sometimes because we have people who would do such a cruel act living in it.

[@javariouslurry3833]

Ezekiel Major sad

[@videorocketzmillar007milla5]

Ezekiel Major Good knows who did it. evil ppl will get theirs.

[@YouTubeBlueButterflies]

Trust me if that person/persons is still living, haha they are suffering miserably!

[@lesterrosebur2799]

I heard he was clean no drugs and they did something to him watch his daughter interview

[@ChroniclesofAlicha_Balaam]

Very suspicious

[@tinanash905]

This songs bring tears to my eyes The fact that David Voice is expressing the pain of the writer who committed suicide..

[@67Stu]

I was a 24 year-old student at New York University when David Ruffin died. My radio alarm clock was set at the top of the hour so that I would hear the news on W-CBS FM when it would sound. The first thing I remember hearing quite clearly: "David Ruffin is dead." My favorite soul singer of all time was gone. The summer of 1986, I was 19, and quite fortunate to see David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks perform at Roy Wilkins Park, in Jamaica, Queens, NYC. I was lucky enough to meet them after the show and get their autographs. I got the feeling that something was very wrong with David, based on how he acted in his dressing room, and that he was slightly delayed when he was introduced to come on stage. I had no idea how troubled he was at the time.

[@edwardmarcell2494]

Rest in peace David Ruffin. Now you are in heaven and Don't have to worry about struggles of anykind.

[@prodigalsun1069]

I personally only know of the temptations because of him.. his voice was the temptations.. never love another!

[@mzeeasage7426]

David Ruffin and The Temptations forever

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

Thank you for this video bro. Tears for DR

[@deeabbensetts3218]

31 years gone but never forgotten.

[@ladyblue3255]

Rest in Peace... David Ruffin. Love your singing.

[@divadoll606]

Temptations Forever. Thank you for the music. I love you. RIP David Ruffin.

[@johnnylee2744]

I used to listen with them every night before I went to sleep The Temptations I sure love them I love the original group there were fantastic God bless them all and thank you very very much amen

[@exploregreer1048]

Missing the quality music you guys put out for us to enjoy. RIP all of you temps. Sang it David!!!💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽

[@dallasmain5985]

It is so sad that the voice of a generation is silenced. A person just pushed his body out of a limo , kept going and stole his money. A legend should have never gone out like that. RIP David Ruffin

[@maryanderson8622]

I could listen to them sing all day long, Still my favorite. David Rufftn had a one of a kind voice. Just Beautiful.

[@raymondshivers2092]

That voice was classic

[@janinejames2982]

This is a very sad tragedy, I really love The Temptations. I didn't know he died in my hometown at that very hospital... May R.I.P David.. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@charityshoptreasures2569]

He was deeply troubled ......such a terrible loss 🥀but that's shiny star in the heavens has a wonderful voice and a lovely soul

[@venesiabrown414]

I just loved David Eddie Paul and Dennis they had the voices

[@87shandab]

Singing so effortlessly

[@cinthiaadkins7392]

David Ruffin was a Legend, had one super voice, Love David. Rest In Heavenly Peace

[@garyalexander6787]

Man he was truly the heart and soul of the Temptations.

[@judahmourneth737]

Gary Alexander actually Paul Williams was the heart and soul of the temptations

[@charlesmcbride8307]

Gary Alexander Say it again brother. The Greatest Temptation ever!!!

[@kaidenjenkins459]

True! He made the group! Him & Eddie

[@doncooper1696]

@@kaidenjenkins459 agree David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks made the temptations and they Left and perform their own group

[@josevalle613]

Gone but not forgotten and never replaced. Temptations for ever

[@ka_living]

That voice was everything💖💖💖

[@leobell1686]

I hate how drugs destroy so many beautiful lives crazy

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

Rest in peace beautiful soul brother sing with the angels in heaven peace and love that you now have in the arms of God

[@acenupe3]

The voices...Somebody refresh my memory of three hitmaker voices all rolled up into one group..You know them voices whenever you hear them..😇

[@clydeb7713]

What a great powerful and dynamic voice David had!

[@aintnothingliketheoldskool]

Gone but never forgotten all of you will be missed forever in our hearts. David 🕊️ Eddie 🕊️ Dennis 🕊️ You all will be missed forever and ever. And always remember these men were legends but at the end of the day they were only human.

[@sweetlatina53]

Temptations are not replaceable they sang for us but there music will on and on they left us to soon they gone forgotten the remember in the book of history may they rips🎤❤️💐🥀

[@michellekarlene1131]

You right Latonya, that voice is magnificent. David could sing anything and make it sound great ! RIP.

[@patriciabennett-siciliap802]

I loved the Temptations..so many good memories. Yes, this man had such a lovely voice along with the others! So ugly the drugs took him like this and how he was abandoned and left behind as a lone sole. He gave so much to all of us. God please keep him beside you.

[@lovejoyjohnson4615]

95% true the staff and some people in the E/R recognize who he was but we couldn't identify him because we was not the next of kin. He staggered in and collapse on the floor. by 10a word have traveled through out the hospital that David Ruffin was in the hospital. I was there in the E/R as a employee.

[@Terena76]

"Staggered in"? Pretty sure reports at the time contradict that.

[@watchingutube1246]

Lots of luv87 That limo driver dumped his body!! All drug dealers are devils!!

[@marcusoneal4745]

Lots of luv87 stop lying

[@changingtheworld1348]

Heard his family sued the movie saying that story wasn't true and lost. From this comment sounds like they dumped him n left him outside, unidentified.

[@patriciajohnson3193]

Soooo Sad Legend @ a young age