“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”: A Song for Everyone Who’s Ever Loved and Lost

“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is the signature hit of Jimmy Ruffin, the older brother of David Ruffin (of The Temptations). This timeless soul ballad quickly became one of Motown’s most powerful and enduring heartbreak anthems — a cry of sorrow wrapped in lush orchestration and gospel-tinged emotion.

𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧 – 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝

Backed by The Funk Brothers (Motown’s legendary house band), the song features:

Soaring strings,

A steady, melancholic groove, and

Layered background vocals (provided by The Originals and The Andantes).

Ruffin’s deep, rich tenor voice expresses grief and hope in equal measure — capturing the emotional complexity of love lost.

The arrangement builds slowly, mirroring the rising tide of the narrator’s longing and confusion.

It stands out from other upbeat Motown hits of the time with its soul-searching ballad form.
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the UK Singles Chart in 1966.

It re-charted in the UK in 1974, peaking even higher at #4, proving the song’s long-lasting appeal.

The track was originally intended for The Spinners, but Jimmy Ruffin convinced the producers to let him record it — and it became his defining hit.

The song has been covered by dozens of artists, including Paul Young, Joan Osborne, Robson & Jerome, and even Bruce Springsteen during live shows.

It has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including The Wonder Years, The Big Chill, and Standing in the Shadows of Motown.

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