Photo: WENN.com
Jimmy Ruffin, an instrumental figure in the rise of Motown, has passed away at the age of 78.
The singer who penned the legendary 1966 hit, 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted', died on Monday 17 November. He fell ill in Nevada last month and failed to recover, dying in a Las Vegas hospital with children Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr. around him.
"My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed. We appreciate all of the love and prayers from our family, friends, his colleagues and his adoring fans. We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him," said Philicia.
She added that he was “a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry.”
Jimmy released his last studio album in 1980, entitled Sunrise, which was produced by Robin Gibb from the Beegees. He also worked with Paul Weller on 'Soul Deep' in 1984 and worked with Heaven 17.
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