Early Life and Education

Born on May 7, 1936, in Collinsville, Mississippi, Jimmy Ruffin Was One of Seven Children. His Family Moved to Detroit, Michigan, in the Late 1940S, Where He Grew up in Poverty.

Ruffin Signed with Motown Records in 1961, and His First Hit Single, “Don’t You Miss Me a Little Bit Baby, ” Was Released the Following Year. Ruffin’s Biggest Hit, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, ” Was Released in 1966, and It Reached Number Seven on the Us Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Jimmy Ruffin Was Married Twice and Had Seven Children. He Struggled with Drug Addiction for Much of His Career but Eventually Recovered.

Jimmy Ruffin Passed Away on November 17, 2014, at Age 78, Due to Heart Complications.

It Is Unclear What Jimmy Ruffin’s Real Estate Holdings Were at the Time of His Death.

Jimmy Ruffin’s Music Has Had a Lasting Impact on the World of Soul and R&B. His Hits Continue to Be Played on Radio Stations Around the World, and His Influence Can Be Heard in the Music of Artists Like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Al Green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jimmy Ruffin’s Older Brother, David, Was Also a Singer and Influenced Jimmy to Pursue a Career in Music. Growing up in the Church Choir Also Had a Significant Impact on Ruffin’s Passion for Singing.

1. What Inspired Jimmy Ruffin to Become a Singer?

Jimmy Ruffin’s Older Brother, David, Was Also a Singer and Influenced Jimmy to Pursue a Career in Music. Growing up in the Church Choir Also Had a Significant Impact on Ruffin’s Passion for Singing.

2. What Was Jimmy Ruffin’s Most Successful Song?

“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” Was Jimmy Ruffin’s Biggest Hit, Reaching Number Seven on the Us Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

3. Was Jimmy Ruffin a Part of Motown Records?

Yes, Jimmy Ruffin Signed with Motown Records in 1961 and Released Several Successful Albums with the Label.

4. Did Jimmy Ruffin Collaborate with Other Motown Artists?

Yes, Jimmy Ruffin Collaborated with Other Motown Artists, Including Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

5. Did Jimmy Ruffin Struggle with Addiction?

Yes, Jimmy Ruffin Struggled with Drug Addiction for Much of His Career but Eventually Recovered.

6. How Many Children Did Jimmy Ruffin Have?

Jimmy Ruffin Had Seven Children.

7. When Did Jimmy Ruffin Pass Away?

Jimmy Ruffin Passed Away on November 17, 2014, at Age 78, Due to Heart Complications.

8. Was Jimmy Ruffin Honored for His Contributions to Music?

Yes, in 2011, Jimmy Ruffin Was Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for His Contributions to the Music Industry.

9. Did Jimmy Ruffin Tour Extensively During His Career?

Yes, Jimmy Ruffin Toured Extensively Throughout the 1960S and 1970S, Performing in Countries Like the Uk, Germany, and Australia.

10. Was Jimmy Ruffin’s Music Popular Outside of the Us?

Yes, Jimmy Ruffin’s Music Was Popular in Countries Like the Uk, Where He Had Several Top 10 Hits.

11. Did Jimmy Ruffin Write His Own Songs?

While Jimmy Ruffin Did Not Write Many of His Own Songs, He Did Co-Write a Few, Including “Living in a World I Created for Myself. ”

12. What Was Jimmy Ruffin’s Vocal Range?

Jimmy Ruffin Had a Baritone Vocal Range, Which Gave His Music a Unique Sound.

13. Did Jimmy Ruffin Win Any Awards for His Music?

While Jimmy Ruffin Was Not a Frequent Award Winner, He Was Nominated for Several Grammy Awards Throughout His Career.

14. Was Jimmy Ruffin Inducted into Any Music Halls of Fame?

Jimmy Ruffin Has Not Been Inducted into Any Music Halls of Fame as of Yet.

15. What Was Jimmy Ruffin’s Last Performance?

Jimmy Ruffin’s Last Known Performance Was on August 31, 2014, in Cornwall, England, Just a Few Months Before His Passing.

Jimmy Ruffin Net Worth

By Robert Thorne

• Oct 8, 2026 • 4 min read

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Jimmy Ruffin Was an American Soul Singer Who Had a Net Worth of $3 Million. He Rose to International Fame in the 1960S for His Hit Songs, Including “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” and “Hold on (To My Love). ”

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.

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