Net Worth Ranker
What Is David Ruffin’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on June 1, 1991, David Ruffin, the iconic American soul singer and musician, had a net worth estimated at $150,000. This figure reflects his earnings from a prolific career spanning solo work and his pivotal role in the legendary musical group, The Temptations.
Early Career and Rise to Fame with The Temptations
Born Davis Eli Ruffin on January 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi, David’s early life was marked by both hardship and musical exposure. He began singing in church and talent shows, traveling with his father, Eli, and stepmother, Earline, as part of a gospel group that opened for renowned acts like The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and Mahalia Jackson. At 14, Ruffin ventured to Memphis, Tennessee, to pursue a life in the ministry, later performing under the name Little David Bush. His journey eventually led him to Detroit, Michigan, where he connected with Berry Gordy Jr.
Ruffin’s career took a significant turn in January 1964 when he joined The Temptations. While initially providing background vocals, his unique raspy tenor quickly propelled him to the forefront. Smokey Robinson’s decision to showcase Ruffin’s voice led to the creation of “My Girl,” a song that catapulted both Ruffin and The Temptations to international stardom. Ruffin’s lead vocals on hits like “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “All I Need” solidified his place as a defining voice of the group’s “Classic Five” period.
Solo Career and Album Releases
David Ruffin’s solo career began in 1969 with the release of “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me),” which peaked at #8 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart and #2 on the Hot R&B Singles chart. His debut solo album, “My Whole World Ended,” released in May 1969, reached #1 on the “Billboard” R&B Albums chart and #31 on the “Billboard” 200 chart, demonstrating his immediate success as a solo artist.
Ruffin continued to release solo albums throughout the 1970s, including “Feelin’ Good” (1969), “David” (recorded in the early ’70s but not released until 2004), “David Ruffin” (1973), and “Me ‘N Rock ‘N Roll Are Here To Stay” (1974). His 1975 album, “Who I Am,” proved to be a commercial success, reaching #5 on the R&B Albums chart and featuring the top 10 single “Walk Away from Love.” Subsequent albums included “Everything’s Coming Up Love” (1976), “In My Stride” (1977), “So Soon We Change” (1979), and “Gentleman Ruffin” (1980).
In 1982, Ruffin participated in the “Reunion” album with the Temptations and briefly toured with the group. He also collaborated with Eddie Kendrick, another former Temptations member, on the album “Ruffin & Kendrick” (1988). In 1985, Ruffin and Kendrick joined Hall & Oates at the Apollo Theater and Live Aid, performing a medley of Temptations hits, which was later released as a single and nominated for a Grammy. Despite these collaborations, Ruffin’s solo work was essential to his David Ruffin Net Worth’ Net Worth.
Earnings and Financial Challenges
While David Ruffin achieved considerable success as a singer, his earnings were often impacted by personal struggles and financial challenges. In 1982, he was sentenced to six months in an Indiana low-security prison and ordered to pay $5,000 for failure to pay more than $310,000 in taxes from 1975 to 1977. He served only four months of this sentence due to good behavior. These financial difficulties likely contributed to the lower-than-expected net worth at the time of his death.
Drug Addiction and Legal Issues
Ruffin’s battle with drug addiction began in the late 1960s and continued throughout his life. His addiction led to missed performances, strained relationships with bandmates, and legal troubles. In 1987, he was arrested during a raid at a Detroit house party and charged with cocaine possession with intent to distribute. Although initially facing serious charges, he was ultimately convicted of using cocaine and sentenced to two years’ probation and 50 days of community service. These legal issues and his time in rehabilitation centers further impacted his earnings and financial stability.
Posthumous Recognition and Legacy
Despite his untimely death at the age of 50, David Ruffin’s legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of all time remains strong. In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with The Temptations. In 2008, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked him #65 on its “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” list. In 2013, The Temptations were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and Ruffin’s children accepted the award on his behalf.
His contributions to music have been further recognized with inductions into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame (both as a member of The Temptations and as a solo artist) and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. In 2019, a section of Parkside in Detroit, where Ruffin once lived, was renamed “David Ruffin Avenue,” and a section of 8th Street in Meridian, Mississippi, was renamed “David Ruffin Boulevard.” He also received a star on Mississippi’s Arts + Entertainment Experience’s Walk of Fame. These posthumous honors highlight the enduring impact of David Ruffin’s music and his significant contribution to American culture. His David Ruffin Net Worth’ Net Worth, while modest at the time of his death, does not diminish his artistic achievements.
