David Ruffin - Statue of a Fool (HQ)

The genius of David Ruffin ... written when he was 18 years old !

[@SMURF-94]

Davis has become my favorite singer, this man was Purely talented..nobody has a voice like this...despite any of his issues, Rest Well brother man..Sing one time for us 🎵🎙

[@corbinwood501]

No one performs like this anymore. The statue pose is everything!

[@growthdevelopment7412]

All time favorite

[@reginaldblue697]

The amazing thing about this video is at the end, he poses like a statue great performance so conferencing ❤️💯👍🏾

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed

[@MrSmoove71]

EVERYTHING ❤❤

[@sheila2517]

Still hits ❤

[@MPL616]

“I heard in his voice a strength my own voice lacked.” - Marvin Gaye -

[@georgettejonah2580]

He had it all. He was so blessed with physical beauty, the captivating & commanding voice to march. Rest well, David 🙏💔❤️

[@TondiPap]

The most underrated SOUL singer of all the time...This brother is a true legend

[@user-yh3pb8ho3v]

David Ruffin was not underated!

[@coreanwalker9422]

Mr David Eli Ruffin the G.O.A.T His was definitely a gift from God for all to enjoy even unto this day. His voice will ever be duplicated.

[@charms85]

There are just some people that I would give a second chance of life on this earth. Thank you Mr. Ruffin. DAVID❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 06/2024

[@marciawellington4333]

I wonder if the ppl in the audience realised what a privilege it was to bear witness to this fantastic performance. This man was just pure talent. Luv u David. I pray that your spirit is at peace.

[@darrenanthony8473]

I'd realized that.I was there. I was 19. After watching the Lakers just win the championship I caught the bus down there to see Ed and David at The forum what a performance

[@imbees2]

I realize

[@Honestly20]

Greatness

[@lynnlee334]

Only a Musical Genius could write something like this at 18

[@S-ClassCustoms]

He didn't actually write this song.... but he always claimed to for some reason

[@nataliep3038]

@@S-ClassCustoms I don't know why he would either. It has to be some truth in it somehow, he met someone and they wrote it together, Something because it makes no sense. Why pick that song if you going lie about a song? It was so unfortunate that David never wrote a memoir before he died. He always said he would one day. So many unanswered questions that only can be answered by him.

[@alfandeddie]

@@nataliep3038 David’s widow wrote a book, A Memoir: David Ruffin-My Temptation. She states that David wrote it and released the song in 1958 under the name Little Eddie Bush when he was 17. I read this on a website call Country Thang Daily. If this is true I don’t know why he wouldn’t of sued for authorship and royalties.

[@nsmcgirt]

I’m sorry this song does not sound like any country song I ever heard. David by default. Also, you’re not gonna tell me some white dude didn’t steal a 17-year-olds song? Please

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh Yes

[@dashaecrawford1255]

the fact i am 22 and this is one of my fav songs... my gma raised me right

[@amandanbs4037]

Yeeeees!!

[@ITWTK]

One of the coldest I’ve ever heard 😔😔🥲🥲🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@IyoNye_GSGM]

This live version KILLED the studio version! 🙌🏽💕💕💕

[@markclark2329]

You are so Correct That's Exactly What I Sad,The Live Version Sounds Way Better Than the Studio Version !!!

[@STYLWALKER1]

Most definitely!!

[@robertragolia744]

David ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, maurice white and phillip bailey, 4 amazing singers we will never have again

[@imbees2]

Nobody can write and sing a song like this in 2024. If they can, do it!

[@billiejean7405]

There will never be another. People aren't even born with voices like this anymore! It's over!

[@angelahall1987]

BillieJean Truth!!!

[@yahuchananjudah8917]

You said a muff full dammit Mann smh

[@Nubianskin901]

Amen!!!

[@MsCK34]

Sadly very very TRUE...

[@theYear_project]

Calm down. Have you lived forever? How would you know? Don't be so selfish

[@dorothymims9957]

This is the greatest. You can feel the emotion pouring out in his song. This is what songs lack today, feelings and emotions that embrace the listener. Great work, which I feel cannot be compared. I agree as well, he carried around a broken heart in which he showed in performance.

[@BillyBaloo]

This song was NOT written by David Ruffin! It was written by Jan Crutchfield and first recorded in 1969 by Jack Green. I know it is a great song and see why David Ruffin WOULD STEAL THE CREDIT FOR WRITING IT!

[@annacaldwell8151]

@@BillyBaloo shut all the way up 👌🏿

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed AMEN 🙏

[@user-oe1zx7vf6f]

Who stole it? Probably taken from Ruffin by the racist establishment with the help of Motown and their step and fetchit flunkies

[@user-oe1zx7vf6f]

Truth is in the eyes of the powers that be

[@imbees2]

Nobody don't sing this song, except, David Ruffin!!!!

[@andrewdemetri579]

there is a fella who sings this tribute song he's brilliant 9n you tube

[@tdshaker]

I wish David could have kept it together longer, for all of us to enjoy his music, drugs screwed him up. We lost a lot when he died. He was a superstar.

[@krame99]

You are so right people don't understand how big he was for the temps nobody had a voice like David not Marvin not Levi Stubbs and they were two of the greatest to come out of Motown David was in a league of his own and I'm so sick if people saying Dennis Edwards was just as good as David cause he won a Grammy well there were no r&b Grammys in 1965 cause my girl would have won hands down people that don't know about the temps don't know how smokey even said when David left it was just a matter of time before the temps would go down hill and what they had 3 maybe 4 hits nothing like the early years just my thoughts.

[@mfalmekali]

Word.

[@SuperBeachbum74]

NO DISRESPECT TO DENNIS EDWARDS but his smokey voice was easy too copy, after DAVID RUFFIN left i couldn't stand anyone else singing any of the songs he sang lead on-horrible,DAVID could not be replaced vocally

[@nasriali9984]

tdshaker I I

[@racerx6041]

tdshaker :Thank God we had him as long as we did. RIP David Ruffin.✌

[@sheppiehet5464]

watched many of Mr. Ruffin's performances and thought that he could be an actor, but then I realise that he was too REAL to be an actor. Simply beautiful!

[@regenacurry6087]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love seeing 4:17 - 4:33 RIP to one fine brother!!! Mr. David Ruffin your voice is missed!!!

[@adriennerobinson1180]

WOW, This is the first time I ever heard this beautiful song. I just l9ve me some David Ruffin. You are Sorely Missed and Loved RIH. Your voice is one of best ever,never to be replaced.

[@andybennett1026]

My favourite vocalist ever ! I just looked this up on wiki and the writing credit is to someone called ‘Jan Crutchfield’ and was released by country artists ! I always thought he wrote it , well I don’t give a F***, I like to believe David wrote it ! He was the man and always will be . Taken far too soon ! Respect to Eddie , Paul & Dennis too R.I.P to all of them ! Thanks for the inspiration ! X

[@kinghezekiahisrael6053]

If he was writing material like this at 18 just imagine what great songs he could have written if he would have kept it together

[@larryray86]

I don't think he actually wrote it, but he always said it.

[@johnbarnett6924]

Great post ❤ thanks to all who were responsible for this ❤ revisited Jan 29 2024❤John Barnett

[@fliffleflaffle8100]

His live performance blows away his studio version, incredible.

[@sexualchocolit]

he sang that song with so much feeling... it touched my heart

[@DreamChaser415]

His voice is Strong, raspy, elegant, passionate, soulful. The Lord blessed this man.

[@augustuscaesar7846]

That's all that can be said. The heavens must favor you a lot a lot to give you a voice like Ruffin or rather to give Ruffin a voice like that.

[@inspector7112]

His voice was pretty much shot from all the crack smoking by this time

[@annola44]

We knew it. I wished he knew it. He would have treated it a little kinder. Best voice ever.

[@DreamChaser415]

+Inspector711 His voice was never shot. Even at his worst he was better than most.

[@christhomas5761]

Yes I agree.. I think this performance was not long before he passed but he still sounds good.

[@bevmchugh5903]

Just blows me away every time I hear it. David Ruffin superstar

[@KeatingWoodman404]

Hello 👋 Dear, how are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Keating woodman and am from Denver Colorado, where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@jeffreyrascoe1616]

Musical. Genius!!! That pose gets me every time. Thank you Mr. Ruffin.

[@marilynb7687]

Omg I still cry over this song .. Greases all time artist...I love you baby

[@juliebrant254]

It tears my heart out listening to this.. So talented man, I don't think anyone has ever had such a natural ability to reach into your very soul with his.. So very emotional voice. Such a big loss far too early💔😭💔

[@imbees2]

Anybody heard anybody sounding, singing a song like this, words like this, in 2024? Just asking.

[@bigst05]

David really was in a class all by himself. Even after years of drug abuse and life on the road he still sang like no other.

[@gregharding3168]

Pure soul God bless all the great singers who share their talent with the world....use your talents don't hide them under a bushel it will inspire and bless others...

[@TB-ct2xw]

One of the most passionate unique singers of the world!! Love this song and performance. He is an icon!♥

[@lindarobinsonstreetcorner133]

This song hit me like a ton of bricks, I love it and Mr. David Ruffin

[@brianakelley123]

So incredible. Such a good performance

[@shelbymartin502]

That voice.... whewwwww. Mind you he was older here. Yet that voice was GOLD!!!

[@brittontownsend9120]

How can you dislike this? David Ruffin was so awesome!

[@fendibabii2118]

This song is amazing 🤩

[@Stop_57followingme]

I could listen to David all day long I love his voice now walk away from love is my favorite 🤩 song by him

[@brendabeers4400]

What a great song and done perfectly by David.... his masterpiece!

[@jermainejohnson9273]

This brothers voice is simply amazing, and his range is legendary. This video is of him singing LIVE, late in his career. Imagine for just a split second how his voice would have sounded had foreign toxins not been introduced into his system for years at this point! Incredible!

[@marshalastovall4270]

JERMAINE Johnson actually, I believe his voice improved as he aged...even in spite of the substances in his system. His singing and speaking voice became even raspier...which is what makes it so unique. It will be hundreds of years from now that there will be another male singer as talented as David Ruffin.

[@tmalone2530]

PURE TALENT! Something that does NOT exist in 2020 with these new "artists"

[@AHMAD-2324]

Well they have talent they just don't have this level of talent.

[@sharonlove8235]

So true….

[@TheRealDyscyples]

@@AHMAD-2324 these artist today straight trash.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

It sure doesn't exist anymore. Beyond Sad

[@DanFrechette]

That’s because the only people you hear of are rich people.. this is back when people who struggled became famous. Now it’s rich beautiful fake empty people who buy the fame.

[@evoniaellerby3341]

Yes!!! I love David Ruffin!!!! There will never be another voice like his.

[@bayathamath7397]

TRUTH!

[@kathyhayden2499]

I'll second that❤

[@user-oe1zx7vf6f]

❤❤

[@jacquelinegross9705]

I still cry when I hear David Ruffin sing sometimes especially this song...He was my Uncle's favorite singer and my Uncle passed away on my birthday which was yesterday but in 2011 🙌👑🕊️❤️🔥❤️🎼🎵🎶🔊💃🕺

[@seekerone8368]

Nothing but total respect for the Legend, Mr. David Ruffin.💯❤️

[@michaeldefeo2272]

David Ruffin sang all his songs with so much passion and soul. when he was done singing that song he owned it. David was a absolute powerhouse.He was in a class all by himself.

[@yobee1418]

He was getting High as Hell in these times of His Life,but His Voice was this there.🙏🙏🙏💪💪💪

[@annetteb2432]

3:43 The soft scream, and him walking away from the mic. 😂😂💋

[@agneshull6006]

Perfection!

[@randygiles9214]

Powerful voice, performance, those lyrics! Yes we've all felt like that....maybe more than once in life. RIP David.

[@kimwinston377]

David Ruffin hands down in a league of his own IDC who else sang this song they couldn't sing it like Mr.Ruffin...RIP David #1fan yes....and this guy was bfo my time and I am a fan as if I was from his era luv the Temps too...with Ruffin of course

[@TheNikki810]

whoever wrote it,he blew it out of the water,thats all that matter,35 years later still sound good to me,people all ages still trying to hear ruffin sing.thats real talk,not crap!!!!!!

[@jascam1]

On of the joys of having lived during this era to hear such great voice, wouldn't change it for nothing.

[@summerbabetoo]

Time had that song recorded after he really understood what he wrote at 18, And it was right on time. You felt the anguish right here💔‼️ Truly One of the Greatest Singers Ever. Blow David RIP

[@yankee52goblue78]

This performance is amazing…I feel every note in my heart ❤️

[@olebubby]

This was a huge hit in country music by Grand Ole Opry legend Jack Greene. Jack was the very first Male Vocalist of the Year for the CMA.. great songs are able to cross genre’s and this one certainly does.

[@jeh2009ish]

One of a kind, there will never be another David ruffin

[@sugga2365]

David Ruffin was in a league of his own. Rest David, your fans love you. Gone but never forgotten. Let the music play❤️❤️

[@olsoulboy]

David Ruffin, a tortured soul throughout his short life, brought so much pleasure to so many....A talent from heaven...always was and will always be....SOULS No 1 vocalist...RIP DAVID...my all time musical hero.

[@karlbutler4029]

No voice could come close to this man,What a gift from God .I was Blessed to see this special talent live many times .Thank You David !!

[@Unsubscribed321]

A distinct voice that will linger on for generations.

[@dawnfish477]

I love this man sence I was 13 beautiful voice forever in my heart

[@kubancigar9335]

This man here got a lot a SOUL, love this song

[@garyhemmings2977]

Deandra Shaw best voice ever

[@juliorosales2403]

Yes indeed... wowwww

[@marthadevaney6699]

One of the best songwriters and singers I can't believe he ruined it. 😊 Rest in peace David ruffin

[@rippygirl423]

David has no idea how famous he still is.

[@judithsinift1983]

perhaps today yes he's in heaven watching..love u david

[@angelahall1987]

perhaps today He'll never ever know.

[@nyeshabrooks8666]

🤣🤣🤣 right

[@shirleyfrazier7826]

I PLAY HIS MUSIC ALMOST EVERYDAY..THE TEMPTATIONS WAS AN ERA OF THEIR OWN. I WOULD HAVE LOVED 4 THEM 2BE IN THE MOVIES DAVID WOULD HAVE MADE EXCELLENT BAD GUY..THE TALL N LANKY BUILD.LOVE U MR RUFFIN..N ALL THE GREAT GROUPS.LUVVVV

[@sheliamcmillian9794]

He knows, he was the greatest and still is! I listen to him everyday.

[@STYLWALKER1]

DO Y'ALL HAVE ANY IDEA HOW GENIUS THIS PERFORMANCE IS!!! IM MEAN THE STATUE STANCE HE DOES..........WHAT?? AND HE DID IT TWICE AT THAT!!! I'M SOOOO FREAKING HAPPY I FOUND THIS VID. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE DOWNLOAD. THE ONLY THING IS THE ALBUM VERSION DOESN'T HAVE AS MUCH SOUL IN IT AS THIS MASTERPIECE. I PLAYED THIS VIDEO ALREADY LIKE 50 TIMES. HEY, IM FROM DETROIT. I AM MOTOWN BABY.

[@nadinecoopercarter4351]

He’s Still The Best, and Relevant!❤

[@mremac266]

Man I would have loved to See David Ruffin Live and Barry White Live With His Full Orchestra. 2 of the Best To Ever do It

[@carolinematthews8291]

heard him sing this before but this is so raw with emotion,really moves me.

[@amandanbs4037]

YES❗❗❗❗

[@williamscott9253]

Back in the day we had real music ! The kind that made you wanna love and love hard ! I’m sure I speaks for us all when I say . We thank God for you !God bless you brother. You are missed!

[@virginiastock5518]

I just love David singing this. What an amazing song.

[@BillyBaloo]

This song was NOT written by David Ruffin! It was written by Jan Crutchfield and first recorded in 1969 by Jack Green. I know it is a great song and see why David Ruffin WOULD STEAL THE CREDIT FOR WRITING IT!

[@lestinecramer3534]

Happy Birthday to David Ruffin January' 18. Thanks David for what youv did for the Music World. RIP you are missed. Love The Temptations Forever

[@b.bailey8244]

I love this song - genius. and the choreography of the old motown and soul groups - pure artistry.

[@howardrobinson7868]

this should have 10 million views hands down maybe more there will never be another David Ruffin

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed AMEN 🙏

[@kathyhayden2499]

No never❤

[@deborahpete3249]

I listen to this song constantly, cause he is relaying a message.

[@m.henderson8431]

Absolutely

[@19mecanico93]

I do too... must have listened to it a thousand times....

[@christinacook8969]

Absolutely

[@veronicabanks5319]

First time hearing this song. What is the message about?

[@BillyBaloo]

This song was NOT written by David Ruffin! It was written by Jan Crutchfield and first recorded in 1969 by Jack Green. I know it is a great song and see why David Ruffin WOULD STEAL THE CREDIT FOR WRITING IT!

[@demondjj35]

I am only 47 BUT I have lived this song and I feel it !!!!!!!!!!Name it after me

[@charlielynn3674]

I don't know why I love this song so much.

[@derickcaldwell7120]

This song should've had 50 million likes and viewssss deep

[@Noahlyf]

This made me cry and David you did good on this this was a arner the tears you shared with us to this song. Rip David Ruffin

[@nothin_really_ivo5666]

Me too bro.

[@rickbaier1042]

Vocals from the deep that one cannot replicate unless you walk through the battle called life.

[@rickbaier1042]

Thank you.

[@rickbaier1042]

The Temptations . Thank you sir I have walked it also survived it all by a power so great a gift not earned but delivered to me by my Lord Jesus.

[@deborahpete7915]

Rick Baier congratulations sir. I was was A fool in love, a long while. Honoring my vows. I'm a widow G3 yrs. I'm breathing.

[@rickbaier1042]

Deborah Pete If you found love for 33 you definitely not a fool but blessed

[@davidpatrick8989]

Rick Baier

[@mremac266]

Lawd Ham Mercy, Somebody Help Me. In My Opinion This Man Was The Greatest Blak Male Soul Singer Ever To Ever Do It. Lawd Lawd Lawd!!!

[@louisecuffee8513]

The best sounds ever, they reach deep within you and make you feel and think.

[@bradk8504]

My favorite vocalist of all time. I’m here in 2019

[@TheDeeharper5]

Classic luv when he stike the Pose!!

[@funkajafuuzy]

+Dee Harper Yes Sir....Classic Ruffin!

[@rcthomas6925]

Amen

[@keepupwithjones16jones51]

David there will never be a man who could sing like that ever again!!’!! He was the BEST !

[@brianhines1452]

David Ruffin was an incredible talent. He was great with The Temptations and great as a solo singer.

[@keyceandreas9254]

To Honoooooooooooooooooooor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@blkroze4671]

😂😂😂

[@blkroze4671]

That’s funny!!

[@johnglemser6326]

We lost a great one. place a tear for me

[@bryanhenderson7792]

David Ruffin and Eddie Kendrick was one of a kind and there will never be another

[@mariedowtin6635]

I don't care what he did in is life he was a great singer love you David Ruffin

[@johnnyharris7240]

Chico Hamilton

[@johnnyharris7240]

,,

[@maxcinebenjamin606]

What did he do?

[@s.s5933]

@@maxcinebenjamin606 drugs. But alot of musicians have, not that it's the right thing to do.

[@shirleyrobinson3884]

I love him now and forever.

[@unique74muzik]

He lived that song.. Standing Ovation..

[@shakerasalmon8327]

Omg I love this so much

[@brandonlittle3132]

I agree kim, that was a bad boy in the poise of a statue he does during performance was icing on the cake.. a voice that pierce the heart...lyrics that pierce the soul

[@jbve2006]

My goodness what a voice ! Through all he went through he never lost that incredible voice. Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis !

[@user-oe1zx7vf6f]

Why would they?

[@TheSolitary1]

I keep listening to this song. I love it so much.

[@bonitacornwell3266]

I cry everytime I watch this !! Just to know he wrote this when he was 18 yrs old and its so deep and the way his life went he was so great and so lost and was so loved

[@leeanderson2089]

Mr. David Ruffin Genius he was Love this song

[@itzshowtim3]

One of my favorite songs

[@nettaboogf]

so build a statue, and build it high so the world can see.. inscribe the world's greatest fool and name it after me.

[@teresahen]

Gwenetta Farmer this is my anthem song

[@jayasmith9581]

What pure and utter honesty!!

[@BillyBaloo]

@@teresahen This song was NOT written by David Ruffin! It was written by Jan Crutchfield and first recorded in 1969 by Jack Green. I know it is a great song and see why David Ruffin WOULD STEAL THE CREDIT FOR WRITING IT!

[@teresahen]

@@BillyBaloo oh ok I didn't know that great song though

[@skepchica]

@@teresahen Because it's not true. But I agree, it is a great song. ❤

[@nessahhrayhh]

One of the best voices we have lost ❤️ how I wish I could have attended this concert 🥰❤️😫

[@brilliantdiva5068]

1-1-23. Never any greater than David Ruffin⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️