David's heartbreak started after He was terminated by Motown and every one of those songs he sang thereafter was a golden teardrop on his face. This song is simply about his mistakes.
What we really know about David Ruffin is that he was an incredible singer who left a legacy of music that has lived on years after he has left this world. His death left a lot of questions unanswered. Whatever he did or did not do on this earth is between him and God. Could we please stop judging David. If we weren't there we don't how many drugs he did or did not use. I don't take Otis Williams' account of this man's life as the whole truth. Please allow David to rest in peace.
"Mr.David Ruffin"..."A True Legend",but unfortunately,like so many of the super-talented individuals,they're sometime the hardest people to work with.Being a vocalist myself,I studied David's,technique in my youth,trying to understand why he was so much better than most and all I can tell you is "his bag of tricks was loaded"!!! I'll always have the utmost respect for him because he uncontiously made a huge contribution to my musical ability.I pray that he's finally found his PEACE. Jesse Jr.
I've been a country radio DJ for nearly 20 years. I've played the hit versions by Jack Greene and Ricky Van Shelton many many times but David has a conviction here that the country guys lack. Lyrically, it really was tailor-made for the man. Nevertheless it's a shame he felt the need to appropriate copyright ownership of Jan Crutchfield's song. That's like trying to steal someone's baby. Still, David Ruffin is one of the greatest vocalists who ever lived, bar none.
The Original Temptations David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin , Paul Williams , Otis Williams and last but not least Eddie Kendrick's were by far hands down the greatest R&B act of all time. Steps, style and they all could sing that's what was really amazing! Like it will NEVER be another Michael Jackson I think it would be safe to say there we will NEVER see another group like The Original Temptations! Timeless classics...
Thank you Hawaiian80882. I always feel the same when I find a young person who appreciates real talent and the soul the artists used to put into their work. This kind of music doesn't really exist anymore. That's sad. When Motown started, you had to be able to sing, dance, perform. These guys worked for their money.
Who said "Crack Kills"? He lived off crack! This is the best I've ever seen him.. So much conviction and humility.. It almost makes me wanna cry!! Take notes new school... This is how you sound before you get your wings!!! My favoraite singer of all time!!!
OHHHHHH This was the best song!!! He wrote this when he was only 16 years old. It's tragic that such genius was here only 50 years, but he certainly left a legacy of music that will live on and on. Thank you for posting this, SoulBrotherBarry.
False. It was written by Jan Crutchfield and released first as a country song, sung by Jack Greene in May of ‘69, and covered by other country artists, and by David in the mid ‘70’s. Not taking David’s credit for covering, he did amazingly. But he didn’t write it.
He did not write these lyrics. The song was originally written by Jan Crutchfield and first released May 10, 1969 and sung by Jack Greene. I'll never understand why Ruffin took credit for having written it. 😢🎶
words are so powerful. here it was that david wrote that song at 18 and it's almost a self-fulfilling prophecy. he had been given so much. if he had just known how much would have been required to maintain the gift, it would not have been so tragic. i certainly have enjoyed david's place in the season he was born. everyone's life is a lesson to be learned, good or bad.
I just finished watching "Unsung" on my big screen TV at home & it featured "David Ruffin" - This is what I grew up with as a kid & I became a teenager, this made me pull up DAvid Ruffin singing "Statue Of A Fool" on my computer and somehow it added a new dimension of my life experiences and also made me appreciate his musical genious that much more - "I loved it so much" - I'm Bo Johnson - "One Man Band"
Real has to recognize real...regardless of his addiction, the man was a great singer...I mean,I can't stop listening to him...it's crazy to have those pipes after all them years...None of the singers (males) that I know of can compare...
Real music right here....no profanity just real words and a man not afraid to admit he is wrong. Today we try to buy a lady but back then your character is what got you a lady. It takes a real man to apologize for his wrongs, this real music my friends....
Whatever the drugs did to his health, they didn't affect his voice - brilliant and a brilliant song! - the first time I've ever heard it but coming straight from the heart. He obviously meant what he was singing! Poor Man.
With Dennis, the Temps won their first Grammy for "Cloud Nine". Papa was a Rolling Stone is a haunting piece of musical work that moves the spirit. The opening instrumental on that song is unsurpassed. But, it was David who gave the Temps their first #1 song.
NATURAL ENTERTAINER,REGARDLESS OF THE DRUGS,IF HE CAME ON STAGE,HE CAME CORRECT,YOU COULDNT TELL BY HIS STAGE ACTIONS HE HAD A PROMBLEM,REST IN MY PEACE MY BROTHER.
I also read more than once that he wrote this song when he was 18. He was handsome too, I love him also despite all of his faults and yes he was singing about himself. (excellent)
What a poignant song...David Ruffin was an amazing talent who sadly died too soon......you can feel the raw emotion in this song. ... I defy anyone not to be moved by this singer and his song ... a performer of the highest quality. TFP
I remember how sad it was when David passed away. I remember passing the funeral home and seeing all the people there. Someone said Michael Jackson paid for it all but who knows. It just ironic that at 50 Michael would Leave us also. Motown still lives.
Ruffin's first solo single was a song originally intended for the Temptations, "My Whole World Ended . The single from the album entitled My Whole World Ended was released in 1969 Ruffin continued releasing solo material in1975'"Walk Away From Love", produced by Van McCoy, Ruffin was pronounced dead on June 1, 1991,. The case is considered to be an accidental overdose, although there are some questions surrounding the circumstances Michael Jackson covered some of the expenses of his funeral,
A great song David wrote in 1958 (despite reports to the contrary)! From the"excellent Dancing In The Street"DVD, containing the last performance of Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks together on the stage in concert (L.A. 1987). You owe it to yourself to see the whole DVD, as they do a much better performance than they did with Hall & Oates! It is a must for your collection!
ballisticafr I feel you. I don't believe the temptations would have as much success without David. When I heard his voice the first time I looked for everything he I could get my hands on by him. It was later that I learned all my favorite songs by the temps was with him singing lead. With exception of Eddie. Dennis is Good. Eddie is and was GREAT!!!!!!!
ballisticafr, I agree with you, David sang from his innermost being , he sang from his soul, David had some issues, but on stage he was mesmerizing, incomparable,unsurpassed, poetry in motion and, the man could sing the newspaper if he wanted his voice was an instrument, and he shared that gift with us , one of the greatest entertainers bar none.
i remember david and the temps he was such a wonderful singer i never got to see him in person but i am going to buy this song and the new one coming out i love you david you made a difference
Happy Happy 80th Birthday David Ruffin! You were such a great singer When I hear this song I want to cry. So much happen to you and you did it to yourself! You should be hear still making records and living your life! You left far too soon! I hope you are happy where you are.
i tell no lie, i never recognized his voice. for as many years as i've heard, cried and screamed because this was a heartfelt song and i could relate, i say i'm sorry david i always gave you your prop's i just didn't know it was you. rip and in my heart you will be in song.
I have watched this 8 times since I discovered it yesterday - must be one of the best and most moving live performances on TH-cam - and the man died a year later - RIP David - and Paul, Eddie and Marvin.
daviddddddddddd ur the greatesttttttttttttt of allllllllllllllll time ur greatest fan... r.i.p my brother until we meet may god bless ur soul bcuz i know he got u up there singing for him.
You said it. I heard this song and forgot how great it was. I get SO angry when people take drugs as a play thing. I'm from his generattion and grew up with his music. Even ravaged by drugs, he is still a beautiful looking human being because there was always that INNER beauty that came out when he sang. Just think how longer he could have lived and been around for us to love and enjoy.Instead, look at what drugs has taken away-look at what drugs has done to my fellow brother.
This man could straight sing. The lyrics are 2nd to none. On his worst day he sings circles around any of today's singers. Bar none and not even close.
he's one of the greatest. i love him. i'm 62 so i got to here him when these great soul singers and groups came out. he is irreplaceable! thanx sosososo much for posting!!
DIANA,THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS,SO REAL,STOP TALKING BAD ABOUT A DEAD MAN,GET YOUR OWNSELVES TOGETHER,WHAT ARE THEY GONNA SAY ABOUT YOU AFTER YOUR GONE,RIP DAVID RUFFIN,THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD YOU DID DO
I watch this vid every day! His heart and soul are in this performance. It is beautiful, soulful, and heartfelt. It's made me cry more than once. RIP, Mr. Ruffin.
I read some time go, he wrote this song as a young adult teen, but the internet says Jan Crutchfield wrote it. I heard the others' versions, but this is by far the most dramatic interpretation!
I like to remember all the good things about David and temps, I still remember how they sounded and looked the day I saw them live in nj in 1967.Yup I got to see the REAL temps live not in some movie.
David Ruffin was one of the most talented singers ever, he was only 50 yrs old when he overdosed and died in 1991.I was spinning records at the robert morris bar in morrisville, pa and when I came in a friend came up to me and said did you hear about David Ruffin,? he's dead. I just sat there and broke down and cried-you are always be the best there ever was-God Bless you in heaven.-Ron Cerelli former DJ at WRDV radio station in Phila. Pa.
David Ruffin's voice carried me thru some serious broken hearts in the 60s Mr. Ruffin they should build a statue and it's plaque should read... One of the world's greatest entertainers Thanks for the music
Being a fellow Mississippian,I followed David's career. Jet magazine did a wonderful article on his funeral,even showing him in the coffin. M J did cover the funeral cost. Contrary to the movie,his body did not lay unclaimed in the morgue for a week. His chauffeur drove him to the hospital where he died & his kids claimed the body. His family filed a lawsuit against the producers of the movie,it was dismissed in favor of the defendents. Otis did admit that some of the material was made up.
David's heartbreak started after He was terminated by Motown and every one of those songs he sang thereafter was a golden teardrop on his face. This song is simply about his mistakes.
The Statue of a Fool pose at the end wins me over every single time.
Yeeeeessssssssss 💔
What we really know about David Ruffin is that he was an incredible singer who left a legacy of music that has lived on years after he has left this world. His death left a lot of questions unanswered. Whatever he did or did not do on this earth is between him and God. Could we please stop judging David. If we weren't there we don't how many drugs he did or did not use. I don't take Otis Williams' account of this man's life as the whole truth. Please allow David to rest in peace.
"Mr.David Ruffin"..."A True Legend",but unfortunately,like so many of the super-talented individuals,they're sometime the hardest people to work with.Being a vocalist myself,I studied David's,technique in my youth,trying to understand why he was so much better than most and all I can tell you is "his bag of tricks was loaded"!!! I'll always have the utmost respect for him because he uncontiously made a huge contribution to my musical ability.I pray that he's finally found his PEACE. Jesse Jr.
David Ruffin made a lot of mistakes and hurt himself. But it is the joy he brought into the world that counts and always will be remembered.
I've been a country radio DJ for nearly 20 years. I've played the hit versions by Jack Greene and Ricky Van Shelton many many times but David has a conviction here that the country guys lack. Lyrically, it really was tailor-made for the man. Nevertheless it's a shame he felt the need to appropriate copyright ownership of Jan Crutchfield's song. That's like trying to steal someone's baby.
Still, David Ruffin is one of the greatest vocalists who ever lived, bar none.
My Favorite. David's voice only got better, richer, and smoother as he grew older.
love how he holds the note.....what an entertainer!!! name it after meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
The Original Temptations David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin , Paul Williams , Otis Williams and last but not least Eddie Kendrick's were by far hands down the greatest R&B act of all time. Steps, style and they all could sing that's what was really amazing! Like it will NEVER be another Michael Jackson I think it would be safe to say there we will NEVER see another group like The Original Temptations! Timeless classics...
Thank you Hawaiian80882. I always feel the same when I find a young person who appreciates real talent and the soul the artists used to put into their work. This kind of music doesn't really exist anymore. That's sad. When Motown started, you had to be able to sing, dance, perform. These guys worked for their money.
Who said "Crack Kills"? He lived off crack! This is the best I've ever seen him.. So much conviction and humility.. It almost makes me wanna cry!! Take notes new school... This is how you sound before you get your wings!!!
My favoraite singer of all time!!!
OHHHHHH This was the best song!!! He wrote this when he was only 16 years old. It's tragic that such genius was here only 50 years, but he certainly left a legacy of music that will live on and on. Thank you for posting this, SoulBrotherBarry.
False. It was written by Jan Crutchfield and released first as a country song, sung by Jack Greene in May of ‘69, and covered by other country artists, and by David in the mid ‘70’s. Not taking David’s credit for covering, he did amazingly. But he didn’t write it.
90😊@@garrett9307
He did not write these lyrics. The song was originally written by Jan Crutchfield and first released May 10, 1969 and sung by Jack Greene. I'll never understand why Ruffin took credit for having written it. 😢🎶
@@garrett9307 I didn't see your response until after writing mine. Ruffin was quite the character.
words are so powerful. here it was that david wrote that song at 18 and it's almost a self-fulfilling prophecy. he had been given so much. if he had just known how much would have been required to maintain the gift, it would not have been so tragic. i certainly have enjoyed david's place in the season he was born. everyone's life is a lesson to be learned, good or bad.
Just had to stop by again and get my "Ruffin Fix"
I love him and this song. Ruff is the best. I'm a big fan.
DAVID RUFFIN should be played in schools throughout the land...EDUCATION!EDUCATION!EDUCATION!
This performance was recorded at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles in 1987. David died on June 1, 1991. He was 50 years old.
I just finished watching "Unsung" on my big screen TV at home & it featured "David Ruffin" - This is what I grew up with as a kid & I became a teenager, this made me pull up DAvid Ruffin singing "Statue Of A Fool" on my computer and somehow it added a new dimension of my life experiences and also made me appreciate his musical genious that much more - "I loved it so much" - I'm Bo Johnson - "One Man Band"
Show some respect. This gentleman is one of the greatest voices of all time. Do your history check. Rickey smiley is a comedian..
David said once that he wrote this song. His wife said he didn't. Maybe he THOUGHT he did! David sings it best...no matter who wrote it!!
im only 20 yrs old......... and i love this song i wasnt around when it was at its peek but i will definitly kepp it alive
It certainly fits him, considering his troubled life. Too bad a great singer like him had to go the way he did. RIP, David Ruffin.
Real has to recognize real...regardless of his addiction, the man was a great singer...I mean,I can't stop listening to him...it's crazy to have those pipes after all them years...None of the singers (males) that I know of can compare...
This song belongs on the soundtrack to my life. RIP Mr. David Ruffin
🌹☀️
Real music right here....no profanity just real words and a man not afraid to admit he is wrong. Today we try to buy a lady but back then your character is what got you a lady. It takes a real man to apologize for his wrongs, this real music my friends....
Underrated as a solo artist.
Whatever the drugs did to his health, they didn't affect his voice - brilliant and a brilliant song! - the first time I've ever heard it but coming straight from the heart. He obviously meant what he was singing! Poor Man.
With Dennis, the Temps won their first Grammy for "Cloud Nine". Papa was a Rolling Stone is a haunting piece of musical work that moves the spirit. The opening instrumental on that song is unsurpassed. But, it was David who gave the Temps their first #1 song.
NATURAL ENTERTAINER,REGARDLESS OF THE DRUGS,IF HE CAME ON STAGE,HE CAME CORRECT,YOU COULDNT TELL BY HIS STAGE ACTIONS HE HAD A PROMBLEM,REST IN MY PEACE MY BROTHER.
I also read more than once that he wrote this song when he was 18. He was handsome too, I love him also despite all of his faults and yes he was singing about himself. (excellent)
Im 18 listening to David Ruffin, Willie Hutch, The O'Jays n so on dis sum real good music real good song R.I.P. David Ruffin
Surely, Mr David Ruffin received beauty for his ashes.
What a poignant song...David Ruffin was an amazing talent who sadly died too soon......you can feel the raw emotion in this song. ... I defy anyone not to be moved by this singer and his song ... a performer of the highest quality. TFP
I remember how sad it was when David passed away. I remember passing the funeral home and seeing all the people there. Someone said Michael Jackson paid for it all but who knows. It just ironic that at 50 Michael would Leave us also. Motown still lives.
I love the very beggining of the video where that chick yelled "Its David Ruffin!!!" and he smiled. Man u can tell he just loves it.
He made it a little easier for me to carry the burdens of my foolishness. Thanks, Mr. Ruffin.
Ruffin's first solo single was a song originally intended for the Temptations, "My Whole World Ended . The single from the album entitled My Whole World Ended was released in 1969 Ruffin continued releasing solo material in1975'"Walk Away From Love", produced by Van McCoy,
Ruffin was pronounced dead on June 1, 1991,. The case is considered to be an accidental overdose, although there are some questions surrounding the circumstances Michael Jackson covered some of the expenses of his funeral,
THAT MAN CAN RIFF.THERE CAN NEVER BE ANOTHER MR. RUFFIN. RIP ... I HOPE YOU R SANGING FOR GOD
Yall Aint Nothing Without Ruffin
i tattooed my forearm and it says *Name It After Me* in cursive thumbs up!!
The most underrated song ever
A great song David wrote in 1958 (despite reports to the contrary)! From the"excellent Dancing In The Street"DVD, containing the last performance of Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks together on the stage in concert (L.A. 1987). You owe it to yourself to see the whole DVD, as they do a much better performance than they did with Hall & Oates! It is a must for your collection!
ballisticafr I feel you. I don't believe the temptations would have as much success without David. When I heard his voice the first time I looked for everything he I could get my hands on by him. It was later that I learned all my favorite songs by the temps was with him singing lead. With exception of Eddie. Dennis is Good. Eddie is and was GREAT!!!!!!!
Without David Ruffin you aint nothing!!!!
ballisticafr, I agree with you, David sang from his innermost being , he sang from his soul, David had some issues, but on stage he was mesmerizing, incomparable,unsurpassed, poetry in motion and, the man could sing the newspaper if he wanted his voice was an instrument, and he shared that gift with us , one of the greatest entertainers bar none.
i remember david and the temps he was such a wonderful singer i never got to see him in person but i am going to buy this song and the new one coming out i love you david you made a difference
David Ruffin made some beautiful music. It's a damn shame...
This just makes you miss David Ruffin, Paul Williams, Otis Redding.....true soul singers! I can't get into todays r&b too much.
Happy Happy 80th Birthday David Ruffin! You were such a great singer When I hear this song I want to cry. So much happen to you and you did it to yourself! You should be hear still making records and living your life! You left far too soon! I hope you are happy where you are.
i tell no lie, i never recognized his voice. for as many years as i've heard, cried and screamed because this was a heartfelt song and i could relate, i say i'm sorry david i always gave you your prop's i just didn't know it was you. rip and in my heart you will be in song.
concealed inside was a broken heart,i can relate
I have watched this 8 times since I discovered it yesterday - must be one of the best and most moving live performances on TH-cam - and the man died a year later - RIP David - and Paul, Eddie and Marvin.
MR Ruffin still hitting those high notes like no one else can.
Love you David.😎
yeah someone needs to put my whole world ended back on youtube. it was from this same performance. davids is the best ever...in life
I love his poses! God I miss him. No one can beat him!
there is no one who duplicate this guy,he`s got heart and soul to max.
daviddddddddddd ur the greatesttttttttttttt of allllllllllllllll time ur greatest fan... r.i.p my brother until we meet may god bless ur soul bcuz i know he got u up there singing for him.
You said it. I heard this song and forgot how great it was. I get SO angry when people take drugs as a play thing. I'm from his generattion and grew up with his music. Even ravaged by drugs, he is still a beautiful looking human being because there was always that INNER beauty that came out when he sang. Just think how longer he could have lived and been around for us to love and enjoy.Instead, look at what drugs has taken away-look at what drugs has done to my fellow brother.
Robbi D .
Robbi D
David was a great singer....this man gets a pass for all.
This man could straight sing. The lyrics are 2nd to none. On his worst day he sings circles around any of today's singers. Bar none and not even close.
Oh lord have mercy. The greatest song. The greatest singer EVER
he's one of the greatest. i love him. i'm 62 so i got to here him when these great soul singers and groups came out. he is irreplaceable! thanx sosososo much for posting!!
DIANA,THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS,SO REAL,STOP TALKING BAD ABOUT A DEAD MAN,GET YOUR OWNSELVES TOGETHER,WHAT ARE THEY GONNA SAY ABOUT YOU AFTER YOUR GONE,RIP DAVID RUFFIN,THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD YOU DID DO
To Honor Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Every Tear He Shed!!!! R.I.P. Mr.David Ruffin
How can 62 people not like this is beyond me.David was the epitome of soul IMO.
+james smirk
James...62 headless soulless **********
Spot on !!
james smirk , they must be the ones that help with his downfall and didn’t get paid. DAVID RUFFIN will always be the Voice.
Who cares about the damn haters!
I watch this vid every day! His heart and soul are in this performance. It is beautiful, soulful, and heartfelt. It's made me cry more than once. RIP, Mr. Ruffin.
OMG!! how the hell can u sing that good live on stage?? PURE TALENT. This brother can SING.
No matter how many times you listen to it, this song will break your heart every time.
This song was a big hit for country singer Jack Greene. His version of this song is posted.
cheers , for putting me right , i watched him on temp's reunion tour and not along after david passed away
There was only ONE David Ruffin.....RIP
I first heard this song when I was in 7th grade, I was a fool back then.
I read some time go, he wrote this song as a young adult teen, but the internet says Jan Crutchfield wrote it. I heard the others' versions, but this is by far the most dramatic interpretation!
Man Dvid was an amazing singer and a horibble loss to all i wish i could've met him, but his music is his voice and his legacy
Man when i possess like a statue it just takes it to another level........drives the point home....100/100
I like to remember all the good things about David and temps, I still remember how they sounded and looked the day I saw them live in nj in 1967.Yup I got to see the REAL temps live not in some movie.
No one can do it like that anymore. No one.
Mam o man David was the Truth! God Bless him and many more. I love good music!
He's theme song ,after being fired by the greatest singing groups EVER!! YES! One singing,talented Brother, KING DAVID!!~
david ruffin this what I call real singer r.i.p david!
PaTudie, He is the Best that EVER did it. No other crooner can touch him!!
David Ruffin was one of the most talented singers ever, he was only 50 yrs old when he overdosed and died in 1991.I was spinning records at the robert morris bar in morrisville, pa and when I came in a friend came up to me and said did you hear about David Ruffin,? he's dead. I just sat there and broke down and cried-you are always be the best there ever was-God Bless you in heaven.-Ron Cerelli former DJ at WRDV radio station in Phila. Pa.
Mane I wish I could see him perform live. Such a legend.
In my opinion the best of all time
except for ALI .......
songs hurts when it resonates with you.....
That Was Alllllllllllll THAT!GoHeadMr.Ruffin✊🏽
my god i wish i could have met THE GREAT DAVID ELI RUFFIN.
Now that's a beautiful song by David love l just love all of his songs B. Garnett
**David Ruffin - Statue Of A Fool - Unmissable A Great Legend (I Love This Man & His Soulful Voice)**
David Ruffin's voice carried me thru some serious broken hearts in the 60s
Mr. Ruffin they should build a statue and it's plaque should read...
One of the world's greatest entertainers
Thanks for the music
tears from my eyes and heart and i am a grown ass man at the age of 27
omg this man's voice makes me cry, it's too sweet, I wish he was still here... David Ruffin gone but will never be forgotten
This was someone in a lot of pain😫bearing his soul
This Song Really touch my heart. R.I.P. David Ruffin Temtation Forever !
1
Being a fellow Mississippian,I followed David's career. Jet magazine did a wonderful article on his funeral,even showing him in the coffin. M J did cover the funeral cost. Contrary to the movie,his body did not lay unclaimed in the morgue for a week. His chauffeur drove him to the hospital where he died & his kids claimed the body. His family filed a lawsuit against the producers of the movie,it was dismissed in favor of the defendents. Otis did admit that some of the material was made up.
This is a beautiful song, but every time I think about the life of David Ruffin it makes me sad, hopefully he has found peace beyond this world.
Amazingly, the voice is still there after all the drugs! . He's voice is still there, AMAZING!
The song is ironic.
Man they replicated this look so good in the Temptations movie. Leon was so spot on in his portrayal.
Stopped by to get my Fuffin fix
What a man
ROCK ON DAVID,YOUR VOICE STAYED ON,IT WAS A TRUE GIFT FRM GOD,RIP
this man's voice moves me to tears. he can touch your heart. after all this time.