[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 148 (Monday, December 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE PASSING OF JIMMY RUFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2014

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
music of a great Detroit Motown Records singer and songwriter, Jimmy 
Ruffin, who passed away on November 17th, 2014, at the age of 78.
  His contribution to popular music left a huge mark on the music 
industry and Rhythm and Blues music.
  As the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I have worked 
on music and copyright issues over the years and have a deep 
appreciation for the contribution that Mr. Ruffin made for lovers of 
Rhythm and Blues music across the world.
  Mr. Ruffin, born in Collinsville, Mississippi, was the older brother 
of the late Temptations singer David Ruffin. Both of them sang gospel 
music in the South and Detroit where their family later moved. They 
also worked with Barry Gordy and Motown Records, where they became 
widely known for their style of music.
  After serving honorably in the U.S. Army here and overseas he 
returned to Motown Records to continue his career. Jimmy Ruffin not 
only wrote but sang many of his musical creations which included his 
song ``What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,'' which went on to become a 
Top 10 pop hit.
  His reputation grew in this country and around the world. His 
popularity through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s continued to grow as he 
put out songs including ``I've Passed This Way Before'' and ``Gonna 
Give Her All the Love I've Got.'' Jimmy and David Ruffin went on to 
work together on the 1970s album ``I Am My Brother's Keeper.'' In the 
1980's he had a major hit, ``Hold on to My Love,'' which the Bee Gees' 
Robin Gibb produced.
  Mr. Ruffin will be missed for his singing and as a musician he 
produced music that was legendary. We are grateful for the songs and 
music that Mr. Ruffin provided to the Nation over the years and his 
songs will live on to be enjoyed by future generations.
  I am sad that we have lost a great performer, a consummate artist and 
one of Motown Records' biggest stars.
  Our condolences go out to his family and friends around the world.

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