David Eli Ruffin

 David Eli Ruffin, born Davis Eli Ruffin (January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991)

Ruffin was a soul singer and musician most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of the Temptations (1964–68) during the group's "Classic Five" period as it was later known. He was the lead voice on such famous songs as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." Ruffin was the voice of a generation and a singer that influenced everyone from Rod Stewart, to his labelmate Marvin Gaye, to a countless amount of R&B singers. Ruffin’s solo career was marked by highs, like 1969’s “My Whole World Ended” and 1975’s “Walk Away From a Love,” and the lows of failed expectations and low-selling albums. While Ruffin did enjoy a somewhat successful solo career, many feel he could have become a superstar. Ruffin, of course, had extenuating circumstances, that hammered his career during this time –including a serious cocaine addiction which went back to the late ’60s. By the early ’80s, Ruffin was renowned for doing quick stints in jail for everything from disturbing the peace, to tax evasion, to drug possession. David Ruffin died on June 1, 1991, from a drug overdose of crack cocaine. Ruffin reportedly collapsed at a crack house, where he had gone with his friend Donald Brown, according to authorities. He was taken to Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he died from "an adverse reaction to drugs (cocaine)" on June 1, 1991. Ruffin was 50 years old. He was married twice, and had four children in total. Ruffin is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.