BG vs. David Ruffin

[dvus7]

In Mr. Gordy's book, he stated that "David Ruffin was going to be a big star"!!!! Maybe, that is where, Mr. Ruffin got the notion that "nobody is coming to see you Otis". Did Mr. Gordy planted the "seed of discontent" with the Temptations????

[arr&bee]

No,i think that david's ego was pretty big before berry wrote anything..some may not know that david and melvin were cousins,and when he wanted to join the temps blue told him that it wouldn't work because he was a solo artist and the temps were serious about singing together.

[dvus7]

Melvin was related to everybody....Including Rick James!!!LOL!!!

[TomatoTom123]

I wish David had become a big star. He definitely had the voice to.

[TomatoTom123]

No,i think that david's ego was pretty big before berry wrote anything..some may not know that david and melvin were cousins,and when he wanted to join the temps blue told him that it wouldn't work because he was a solo artist and the temps were serious about singing together.

LOL, looks like Melvin saw the events of 1968 a mile off!!!

[Encyclopedia Mack]

I wish David had become a big star. He definitely had the voice to.

You are not lying. One of the greatest singers ever. And hands down the greatest singer on Motown. And that’s saying a lot. From smooth to rough. From a powerful baritone to female register high notes. We will never see a talent like Ruffin again.

[TomatoTom123]

You are not lying. One of the greatest singers ever. And hands down the greatest singer on Motown. And that’s saying a lot. From smooth to rough. From a powerful baritone to female register high notes. We will never see a talent like Ruffin again.

I completely agree E Mack. Those high notes still get me sometimes.

[vgalindo]

You are not lying. One of the greatest singers ever. And hands down the greatest singer on Motown. And that’s saying a lot. From smooth to rough. From a powerful baritone to female register high notes. We will never see a talent like Ruffin again.

Yes he was. One of the greatest male singers ever!

[marv2]

No,i think that david's ego was pretty big before berry wrote anything..some may not know that david and melvin were cousins,and when he wanted to join the temps blue told him that it wouldn't work because he was a solo artist and the temps were serious about singing together.

I will agree. David did not need any ego boosting from Mr. Gordy. He already believed he was the greatest even before he had a big hit record! The way he performed with the Temptations [[throwing up the mic, catching it and then falling down into a split), is the way he was already performing as a solo artist before joining the Temptations.

[marv2]

Melvin was related to everybody....Including Rick James!!!LOL!!!

As far as I know, Melvin Franklin was only related to Richard Street and Rick James. David Ruffin and he were not related. They were "play" or "pretend" cousins. We use to do that in my neighborhood with our close friends.

[marv2]

You are not lying. One of the greatest singers ever. And hands down the greatest singer on Motown. And that’s saying a lot. From smooth to rough. From a powerful baritone to female register high notes. We will never see a talent like Ruffin again.

I would have to fight you about that. I say Levi Stubbs was the greatest male singer at Motown. David was the best male singer/performer.

[luke]

I have never understood why the magnificent David Ruffin was blasted for his ego when Diana Ross was treated the way she was. [[Well ok she was with Berry but Ruffin was sooooo talented and yet not given half the breaks).

[marv2]

I have never understood why the magnificent David Ruffin was blasted for his ego when Diana Ross was treated the way she was. [[Well ok she was with Berry but Ruffin was sooooo talented and yet not given half the breaks).

A most excellent point Luke! Even in some of those early Motortown Revue group pictures, you see Diana Ross showing off in the front of the entire group of artists. Yeah she had a huge ego and was nasty to people,but she had Mr. Gordy, David did not.

[midnightman]

Ruff had the swagger of a solo star. He started off solo before he decided he wanted to join the Temptations. I'm guessing a good half thought the Tempts would be a great springboard on him but the other half really wanted to stay with them because of the family environment they brought to the table, an "us against them" mentality.

I think from the way Berry said that David "could've been a star", he was bringing up Ruff's personal problems [[his cocaine habit was already wrecking opportunities for him) and refusing to show up to concerts because he wanted to get intoxicated played a lot into why his career never became really hot after he left the Temptations.

[TomatoTom123]

Yeah I think that's it midnight. David was probably seen as unreliable, a liability. Such a shame, because he had the voice and the [[ahem) confidence to be a solo star IMO.

[marv2]

Ruff had the swagger of a solo star. He started off solo before he decided he wanted to join the Temptations. I'm guessing a good half thought the Tempts would be a great springboard on him but the other half really wanted to stay with them because of the family environment they brought to the table, an "us against them" mentality.

I think from the way Berry said that David "could've been a star", he was bringing up Ruff's personal problems [[his cocaine habit was already wrecking opportunities for him) and refusing to show up to concerts because he wanted to get intoxicated played a lot into why his career never became really hot after he left the Temptations.

David Ruffin was a star. I don't know what Mr. Gordy meant, but David and the Temptations sure made a lot of money for Motown.

[arr&bee]

as far as i know, melvin franklin was only related to richard street and rick james. David ruffin and he were not related. They were "play" or "pretend" cousins. We use to do that in my neighborhood with our close friends.marv,you may be right,but blue said in an article years ago that he and david were related.

[sup_fan]

I have never understood why the magnificent David Ruffin was blasted for his ego when Diana Ross was treated the way she was. [[Well ok she was with Berry but Ruffin was sooooo talented and yet not given half the breaks).

Diana was unique is that she really was one of [[if not the) most versatile performer at motown. her ability to handle an astonishing array of musical styles is what set her apart. plus she was and still is an fantastic stage performer.

these qualities perfectly matched her with Berry's goal of crossover, mainstream success. he wanted to take a star into the worlds of tv, movies, las vegas, etc. He was looking for a dynamic star that could be mistress of ceremonies for Hollywood. And he's been quoted in multiple books of saying that he'd rather work with a female star or group because they'll have an easier time of crossing over to white audiences as they're seen as less threatening.

now none of this is saying the David's talents were lacking or that his stage performance wasn't good. on the contrary - he's an amazing talent. but his expertise really fell outside of Berry's extra focused viewpoint that i listed above. David would have been a mega star had motown been willing to simultaneously develop talent in another genre, such as the r&b world that Atlantic and other labels really hit upon in the late 60s and early 70s.

[Encyclopedia Mack]

I would have to fight you about that. I say Levi Stubbs was the greatest male singer at Motown. David was the best male singer/performer.
Levi is real close. Levi is also one of my favorite vocalist. And I will say Levi’s voice is stronger than Ruffin. But overall vocal range Ruffin has got him. Ruffin has a powerful voice. But he can sing in a smoth tenor like“My Girl” or “Since I Lost My Baby.” He sang a song completely in falsetto range “Youll Lose A Precious Love.” A lot of people haven’t heard Ruffins solo material. That’s where you really see what he can do. Ruffin can hit those gospel scream notes. He can hit those screams and talk at the same time. And his falsetto is magnificent. He hits the bird note. The female register note. Not too many male singers can hit the bird not. Especially with a naturally raspy voice. Ruffin just had so many vocal weapons. No other singer on Motown is on his level. Very few are on his level period.

[lockhartgary]

Levi is real close. Levi is also one of my favorite vocalist. And I will say Levi’s voice is stronger than Ruffin. But overall vocal range Ruffin has got him. Ruffin has a powerful voice. But he can sing in a smoth tenor like“My Girl” or “Since I Lost My Baby.” He sang a song completely in falsetto range “Youll Lose A Precious Love.” A lot of people haven’t heard Ruffins solo material. That’s where you really see what he can do. Ruffin can hit those gospel scream notes. He can hit those screams and talk at the same time. And his falsetto is magnificent. He hits the bird note. The female register note. Not too many male singers can hit the bird not. Especially with a naturally raspy voice. Ruffin just had so many vocal weapons. No other singer on Motown is on his level. Very few are on his level period.

How about that scream on "That's Life", near the end. That's some serious stuff right there!

[Encyclopedia Mack]

How about that scream on "That's Life", near the end. That's some serious stuff right there!
Exactly. Ruffin has that trademark scream. Have you heard his version of the song “Blackmail?” Towards the end he screamed the words Blackmail. Just God given talent. Ruffin just had it all in one singer.

[lockhartgary]

Exactly. Ruffin has that trademark scream. Have you heard his version of the song “Blackmail?” Towards the end he screamed the words Blackmail. Just God given talent. Ruffin just had it all in one singer.

And I just remembered his scream on Sullivan with the Temps and DRATS. At the 4:05 mark. By the way, I've never before seen this clip at it's full length until now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxYF9dF2zvg

[Encyclopedia Mack]

And I just remembered his scream on Sullivan with the Temps and DRATS. At the 4:05 mark. By the way, I've never before seen this clip at it's full length until now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxYF9dF2zvg

https://youtu.be/LvtkabCstTc
Blackmail. Listen to the whole song. Scroll to 3:19 and 3:28. He actually screams and sings the words “Blackmail” at the same time. Ultimate technique. Ruffin is just the greatest.

[sup_fan]

it's amazing how many amazing vocalists there were in Detroit at the time. I do love levi and the tops. i just happen to listen to them more than the temps. need to do more exploration of the Temps catalog. it might be that i tire just a little of the falsetto singing of Eddie, although i absolutely admit he was immensely talented and a great falsetto voice.

[midnightman]

I'm sorry but Levi WISHES he could sing like David. Levi is indeed one of the greatest singers of all time, but David hits notes that you wouldn't expect. One of the few male vocalists who could actually sing high notes and HOLD IT [[case in point the "My Girl" performance with Eddie at D.C. in '72).

Just imagine if his solo career had taken off, he'd be seen as one of the GREATEST. In terms of greatest male Motown vocalists, he and Marvin would go toe to toe for me. Such a shame David never became a superstar. A doggone shame.

[dvus7]

As far as I know, Melvin Franklin was only related to Richard Street and Rick James. David Ruffin and he were not related. They were "play" or "pretend" cousins. We use to do that in my neighborhood with our close friends.

If you would read, Richard streets book...he stated that he and Melvin were not related. That Melvin stayed with him, because of problems at Melvin's house. Rick James never mentioned Melvin franklin being related to him in either book!!!! Motown publicity!!!

[marv2]

If you would read, Richard streets book...he stated that he and Melvin were not related. That Melvin stayed with him, because of problems at Melvin's house. Rick James never mentioned Melvin franklin being related to him in either book!!!! Motown publicity!!!

Well, Melvin said he and Richard Street were cousins. In high school Melvin wanted to date Mary Wilson and Richard did date Diane Ross. I went to high school with Richard Street's cousins. Melvin and Rick James said that they were related and that Melvin was Rick's uncle. That's what they said.........!

[marv2]

Levi Stubbs was the best male singer Motown ever had!

[marv2]

Not that this is my source for Melvin Franklin and Richard Street being cousins because I had heard that from both of them before the internet was invented:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Street

[Roberta75]

Levi Stubbs was the best male singer Motown ever had!

In YOUR opinion. In my opinion Marvin Gaye was the greatest followed by David Ruffin and then followed by Levi.

[Boogiedown]

..... because I had heard that from both of them before the internet was invented:


t [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Street)

heeheehee.

[dvus7]

Well, Melvin said he and Richard Street were cousins. In high school Melvin wanted to date Mary Wilson and Richard did date Diane Ross. I went to high school with Richard Street's cousins. Melvin and Rick James said that they were related and that Melvin was Rick's uncle. That's what they said.........!

Where did Rick James state that Melvin was his uncle...Please provide the source!!!! Besides Wikipedia!!!LOL!!!

[marv2]

Where did Rick James state that Melvin was his uncle...Please provide the source!!!! Besides Wikipedia!!!LOL!!!

It's out there somewhere......go find it!

[dvus7]

I'm just curious...You going to school with Richard Street"s cousins...what does that mean??? from what I have gathered, you were a "schooler" around 1968-70? Richard street did not get into the temps until 72!!!!LOL!!

[RanRan79]

I'm sorry but Levi WISHES he could sing like David.

I have a feeling that there was never a day that Levi Stubbs woke up wishing he could sing like anybody but himself. He was a force of nature. You don't envy other voices when you sound like that.:cool:

[midnightman]

I have a feeling that there was never a day that Levi Stubbs woke up wishing he could sing like anybody but himself. He was a force of nature. You don't envy other voices when you sound like that.:cool:

That may be true. They were both great. But I honesty can't compare them or compare both to Marvin per se or Dennis Edwards... WOW, Motown had some of the greatest singers alive with those four! I can't even imagine a group with them. Too many ego clashes lmao

[Bluebrock]

In YOUR opinion. In my opinion Marvin Gaye was the greatest followed by David Ruffin and then followed by Levi.
I really cannot choose between these three magnificent vocalists. I probably change my opinion on a daily business, but today i do believe i would have to agree with you dear Roberta. Whichever way you look it these three guys were simply the best.

[sup_fan]

they had totally different approaches to music and singing and so to directly compare them is not only challenging but frankly overlooks key attributes that make each great.

[RanRan79]

That may be true. They were both great. But I honesty can't compare them or compare both to Marvin per se or Dennis Edwards... WOW, Motown had some of the greatest singers alive with those four! I can't even imagine a group with them. Too many ego clashes lmao

There's no need to compare them. A discussion of David Ruffin's talent shouldn't involve discussion of anyone else's talent. All of those men, Marvin and Dennis being included, were great in their own right, using what God gave them and using it the way they artistically thought best. For me no male voice comes close to Marvin in the way that it affects me, but Marvin is Marvin just like David is David. Personally I wouldn't begin to know how to compare them except in the most simplest of ways and that's by stating that vocally David doesn't do for me what Marvin does for me. But I wouldn't be able to quantify what makes one "better" than the other. They were all effective, legendary voices.

And yeah, that super group would've been too much to handle. Levi probably would've been the least likely to have an ego issue, but Marvin, David and Dennis in the same group? I give it a year, tops. And I'm being generous with that. LOL

[midnightman]

Haha yeah that's true. :) And I'll refrain from it from now on in this post. :)

But yeah Levi was mellow. Marvin, David & Dennis would probably have to fight it out. ;)

[marv2]

Haha yeah that's true. :) And I'll refrain from it from now on in this post. :)

But yeah Levi was mellow. Marvin, David & Dennis would probably have to fight it out. ;)

Ali-Ollie Woodson was as tough as all of them. He could hang with David without breaking a sweat.

[marv2]

That was on thing about Motown, Detroit, etc and whatever and that was no matter how good you thought you were, they could always go right out and find another singer just as good or better. You saw what happened with the Supremes in 1969-70. In terms of just pure singing talent, just about anyone you can mention had someone out there that sang just as good. Hello JJ Barnes, where are you tonight bro? LOL!

[Encyclopedia Mack]

I have to do this. Big fan of Levi and Marvin. But Ruffin’s vocal range just leaps above theirs. I’ll give one song.
https://youtu.be/FNhOUTmO0Yo
Listen to this honestly and tell me another Motown artist that can touch Ruffins vocal range. Honestly. Listen to the entire song.

[RanRan79]

I have to do this. Big fan of Levi and Marvin. But Ruffin’s vocal range just leaps above theirs. I’ll give one song.
https://youtu.be/FNhOUTmO0Yo
Listen to this honestly and tell me another Motown artist that can touch Ruffins vocal range. Honestly. Listen to the entire song.

You prefer Ruffin, nothing wrong with that. He's great and he kills "World of Darkness", but I think both Marvin and Levi could've sang the same song and been just as effective. For my taste I'd rather hear Marvin and Levi sing it than David, but it's a personal preference. David definitely possessed a gift from God, but so did the other men. None of them are any better than the other, they're just each somebody else's favorite.:)

[Encyclopedia Mack]

You prefer Ruffin, nothing wrong with that. He's great and he kills "World of Darkness", but I think both Marvin and Levi could've sang the same song and been just as effective. For my taste I'd rather hear Marvin and Levi sing it than David, but it's a personal preference. David definitely possessed a gift from God, but so did the other men. None of them are any better than the other, they're just each somebody else's favorite.:)
I hear you. But honestly Ruffin is my favorite singer but Levi is my second. But it is everyone’s opinion. Davids vocal range is just off the meter. Strong voice that can sing completely in falsetto, scream, and hit the bird notes on command.

[RanRan79]

I hear you. But honestly Ruffin is my favorite singer but Levi is my second. But it is everyone’s opinion. Davids vocal range is just off the meter. Strong voice that can sing completely in falsetto, scream, and hit the bird notes on command.

He really did have an incredible range. So many great vocal performances to choose from, both as a Tempt and a solo. Some of his Warner Bros material is so underrated. I am partial to his work as a Tempt though. "Since I Lost My Baby", "I Know I'm Losing You", "Say You", "That'll Be the Day", some of my favorite David moments as a Tempt. "Common Man", "Statue of a Fool", "Just Let Me Hold You", "A Day In the Life of a Working Man", some of my fav David solo moments. The man was a force.

[144man]

Having seen both the Temptations and the Tops live when in their prime [[no pun intended), I'd give the edge to Levi Stubbs over David Ruffin when it came to concert performances.

[dvus7]

I have been looking, but unable to find one photo of David ruffin & Mr. Gordy, together..please post if found!!

[Circa 1824]

It is almost certain Berry was at the Ed Sullivan taping of Diana and Temps performance. I would think there are pix of Berry with everyone.

[TomatoTom123]

I have tried but can't find any either. I would like to think there must be one, somewhere, but its just not on the internet.

[StuBass1]

David Ruffin, as great as his talent and singing ability was, would sooner or later get on the last nerve of practically everybody he came into contact with and I assume eventually Mr Gordy decided that David just wasn't worth the headaches. With Ruffin, it was essentially risk/reward, and in virtually every case...the risk wasn't worth the reward in the end...

[marv2]

David Ruffin, as great as his talent and singing ability was, would sooner or later get on the last nerve of practically everybody he came into contact with and I assume eventually Mr Gordy decided that David just wasn't worth the headaches. With Ruffin, it was essentially risk/reward, and in virtually every case...the risk wasn't worth the reward in the end...

I had a friend who was almost identical to David Ruffin in terms of looks, attitude and character. He's dead now, but I remember not wanting to even answer the door sometimes when he came around. Sad to say, but most people just tolerated him.

[StuBass1]

I had a friend who was almost identical to David Ruffin in terms of looks, attitude and character. He's dead now, but I remember not wanting to even answer the door sometimes when he came around. Sad to say, but most people just tolerated him.
I've been wondering why people aren't answering the door when I come around, even though all the lights are on...:rolleyes:

[midnightman]

I can agree to this: David was a real handful...

[dvus7]

David Ruffin, as great as his talent and singing ability was, would sooner or later get on the last nerve of practically everybody he came into contact with and I assume eventually Mr Gordy decided that David just wasn't worth the headaches. With Ruffin, it was essentially risk/reward, and in virtually every case...the risk wasn't worth the reward in the end...

Hey, stubass....that is an interesting statement...I wonder when Mr. Gordy decided Mr. Ruffin was not worth it....when he allowed him get to get into the temptations? And he became their problem???LOL!!

[StuBass1]

Hey, stubass....that is an interesting statement...I wonder when Mr. Gordy decided Mr. Ruffin was not worth it....when he allowed him get to get into the temptations? And he became their problem???LOL!!
Thanks Dvus… Having been somewhat close enough to observe some of this...and even had a brief discussion about David with the great Paul Williams shortly before his death...I'm led to believe that it was the Temptations themselves that grew weary of David's antics when he was with the group and perhaps led by Otis [[as was probably one of the accurate perspectives in the Temptations movie based on Otis's book), that , I'm sure with Berry's blessing, decided to part ways with David who always seemed to have things in a state of disarray and disruption within the group structure... Once the group decided to 86 David in favor of Dennis, now Berry was sort of stuck with David, and because of Ruffins unique talent, I'm sure Berry was determined to exploit that talent and use it to his benefit for fun and profit. Davids solo career started out with promise, releasing a couple of nice charted tunes, yet David was not really all in on promoting his career and I'm not so sure with everything going on at Motown, David was Berrys primary concern. At that point, Davids behavior and likely his reliability as a trusted performer in Berrrys stable of talent began to wane, and likely became more of a headache than an asset to Berry who was in the midst of big plans for his company, including the impending move to Los Angeles, and fretting over Davids antics was likely something Berry, being the astute businessman he was, just wasn't going to waste his time or energy on with a lot bigger "fish to fry"... At that point, David just became his own biggest obstacle to success in his solo career and went full on David... He just was not as important to Motown since the Tempts were doing quite well under the direction of Norman Whitfield with Dennis doing the lead tenors and David made himself highly expendable...Not the center of attention he seemed to view himself as when he was the show stopper in his Temptation glory days...Realizing that likely contributed to Davids downfall...

[dvus7]

Thanks Dvus… Having been somewhat close enough to observe some of this...and even had a brief discussion about David with the great Paul Williams shortly before his death...I'm led to believe that it was the Temptations themselves that grew weary of David's antics when he was with the group and perhaps led by Otis [[as was probably one of the accurate perspectives in the Temptations movie based on Otis's book), that , I'm sure with Berry's blessing, decided to part ways with David who always seemed to have things in a state of disarray and disruption within the group structure... Once the group decided to 86 David in favor of Dennis, now Berry was sort of stuck with David, and because of Ruffins unique talent, I'm sure Berry was determined to exploit that talent and use it to his benefit for fun and profit. Davids solo career started out with promise, releasing a couple of nice charted tunes, yet David was not really all in on promoting his career and I'm not so sure with everything going on at Motown, David was Berrys primary concern. At that point, Davids behavior and likely his reliability as a trusted performer in Berrrys stable of talent began to wane, and likely became more of a headache than an asset to Berry who was in the midst of big plans for his company, including the impending move to Los Angeles, and fretting over Davids antics was likely something Berry, being the astute businessman he was, just wasn't going to waste his time or energy on with a lot bigger "fish to fry"... At that point, David just became his own biggest obstacle to success in his solo career and went full on David... He just was not as important to Motown since the Tempts were doing quite well under the direction of Norman Whitfield with Dennis doing the lead tenors and David made himself highly expendable...Not the center of attention he seemed to view himself as when he was the show stopper in his Temptation glory days...Realizing that likely contributed to Davids downfall...

Hey, stubass...thanks for the insite..I am pretty sure that, David, as a performer, was uncontrollable!! From my understanding, ruffin was suspended for not promoting "the moment you left me", per mr. Edwards. So i think u are point. Mr. Gordy stated that he released the song, "because he thought that is what he wanted"...THANKS, AGAIN!!

[lockhartgary]

Did David ever express, publicly or otherwise, any remorse for quitting/being fired from the Temptations?

[TomatoTom123]

Did David ever express, publicly or otherwise, any remorse for quitting/being fired from the Temptations?

Lol, I have no idea, but I'm gonna say no. :D

[marv2]

I've been wondering why people aren't answering the door when I come around, even though all the lights are on...:rolleyes:

hehehehehehehehe..........!!!

[StuBass1]

Did David ever express, publicly or otherwise, any remorse for quitting/being fired from the Temptations?
According to Otis' book and the film...yes he did... Based on his personality, Its unlikely he expressed much remorse as he was somewhat one of those [[I wouldn't change a thing) kind of guys, but I have no doubt that he knows he F'd up bigtime... I last saw David at United Sound at a vocal session for one of his Don Davis produced post Motown solo efforts late 70's/early 80's. It was just David and a female backup singer there in the studio. David was friendly, but IMO...not all there. I've heard similar opinions from others I know who were hired on Ruffin projects in his final years and something was missing and his attitude was, lets just say...odd...

[marv2]

According to Otis' book and the film...yes he did... Based on his personality, Its unlikely he expressed much remorse as he was somewhat one of those [[I wouldn't change a thing) kind of guys, but I have no doubt that he knows he F'd up bigtime... I last saw David at United Sound at a vocal session for one of his Don Davis produced post Motown solo efforts late 70's/early 80's. It was just David and a female backup singer there in the studio. David was friendly, but IMO...not all there. I've heard similar opinions from others I know who were hired on Ruffin projects in his final years and something was missing and his attitude was, lets just say...odd...

The last time I saw David Ruffin alive was New Year's Eve 1984-85 at the Premier Center, Madison Heights [[right outside Detroit). It was at Mary Wilson's and Eddie Kendricks gala New Year's Eve show. It was the night that David reunited with Eddie to begin performing together again. David came out of audience walking and singing right past us. Once on the stage, he and Eddie duet to "Your My Everything". The also performed the finale with Mary Wilson [[with Karen Jackson and Robin Alexander) to sing "Someday We'll Be Together" and "Auld Lang Syne". It was an incredible moment in music history.

[detmotownguy]

The last time I saw David Ruffin alive was New Year's Eve 1984-85 at the Premier Center, Madison Heights [[right outside Detroit). It was at Mary Wilson's and Eddie Kendricks gala New Year's Eve show. It was the night that David reunited with Eddie to begin performing together again. David came out of audience walking and singing right past us. Once on the stage, he and Eddie duet to "Your My Everything". The also performed the finale with Mary Wilson [[with Karen Jackson and Robin Alexander) to sing "Someday We'll Be Together" and "Auld Lang Syne". It was an incredible moment in music history. Marv you mean Sterling Heights!!!! I bel it was billed a Supremes show and the ticket lady said there were no original Supremes performing lol! I quickly rectified that mistake. That was a great venue. I saw the Spinners perform a perfect show.

[nativeNY63]

I would have to fight you about that. I say Levi Stubbs was the greatest male singer at Motown. David was the best male singer/performer.
Spot-on, Marv! And both sang with such passion /conviction!! You can't fake that!! See: I Believe in You and Me [[Levi) and Common Man [[David)

[nativeNY63]

I'm sorry but Levi WISHES he could sing like David. Levi is indeed one of the greatest singers of all time, but David hits notes that you wouldn't expect. One of the few male vocalists who could actually sing high notes and HOLD IT [[case in point the "My Girl" performance with Eddie at D.C. in '72).

Just imagine if his solo career had taken off, he'd be seen as one of the GREATEST. In terms of greatest male Motown vocalists, he and Marvin would go toe to toe for me. Such a shame David never became a superstar. A doggone shame.
Two words. I agree.

[edafan]

To me, David Ruffin & Levi Stubbs tie as great lead vocalist of groups.

edafan

[TomatoTom123]

Have to agree with you there edafan. :D

[arr&bee]

Maybe david said..ain't nobody comin to see you berry!!

[midnightman]

David suffered from bipolar disorder. I'm convinced of it.

This guy thought he could turn sh*t into gold until he was kicked out of the Temptations but he came from a broken home where his father physically abused him and besides from having Jimmy as a close brother always felt like a loner.

Getting in the Temptations, he felt they were his family but like a family, the big brothers couldn't maintain their "younger brother's" antics.

When he finally was ousted, he told Cornelius Grant that they'll beg him to come back but they never did. David never wanted to be a solo artist and wanted to return to the Temptations. I think him getting kicked out led him to depression and increased his cocaine addiction to the point there was no coming back.

[arr&bee]

An ego can be a man's greatest asset or biggest downfall.