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David Ruffin, reconsidered: 30 years after the Temptations singer’s death in Philly, a look at his complicated legacy

Ruffin — the voice of Motown classics like “My Girl” — died at age 50 in 1991. His family believes his legacy was distorted by media attention on his struggles with addiction.

David Ruffin's voice soared through numerous Motown classics like "My Girl" and "I Wish It Would Rain." But his family and friends felt his achievements were diminished, when he died, by news coverage that all but blamed him for having struggled with addictions.
David Ruffin's voice soared through numerous Motown classics like "My Girl" and "I Wish It Would Rain." But his family and friends felt his achievements were diminished, when he died, by news coverage that all but blamed him for having struggled with addictions.Read moreCourtesy Cheryl Ruffin-Robinson