The Heartfelt Journey of Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted”

Jimmy Ruffin released “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted,” a soul ballad that delves deep into the anguish of lost love. Originally intended for The Spinners, Ruffin’s passionate plea convinced the songwriters to let him record it, resulting in a track that became one of Motown’s most enduring hits. With its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the universal pain of heartbreak, making it a timeless classic that continues to touch listeners’ hearts.

What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted

Chart Success: Upon its release, the song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart in the U.S., and No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart. A 1974 reissue in the UK saw it climb to No. 4, marking Ruffin’s highest-charting single there.

Family Ties: Jimmy Ruffin was the older brother of David Ruffin, the lead singer of The Temptations. Despite opportunities to join the group, Jimmy chose to pursue a solo career, leading to his own success with this hit.

Song Origins: The song was penned by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, with Ruffin’s emotive delivery bringing the lyrics to life.

Cultural Impact: Over the years, “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” has been featured in various films and TV shows, including “The Wonder Years,” “JAG,” and “Big Little Lies,” cementing its place in pop culture.

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