Found this review of Jimmy Ruffin's impact and his passing posted to one of my woodworking forums... it is very well said.--------------------------------------------------------------------
The passing of a true icon: RIP Jimmy Ruffin ...
by Kent A Bathurst While primarily known for just one song, that one song was a seminal event in the legend of Motown: What Becomes of the Broken-hearted? [His younger brother David was one of The Temptations].
And it is a teriffic segue to this bit [sorry about the hyperbole - it is warranted here, IMO]:
The unheralded back-up musicians for a staggering number of Motown hits called themselves The Funk Brothers. More than one of these astonishingly talented musicians are credited by a stunning list of big name - BIG name - performers as being a major influence.
Berry Gordy's factory cranked out song after song after song, and got any number of singers to perform - many incredibly talented, but still - part of the factory. And all the while, the Funk Brothers were there, driving the unmistakable Motown Sound.
If you have ever found yourself humming even one snippet of one Motown hit, or singing along with one on the Oldies station, or dancing in your seat when you are watching The Big Chill, or........well, you get the point...........you need to see the 2002 documentary Standing in the Shadow of Motown.
You will find youself almost wanting to stand up and cheer these guys. There is not a single wasted minute.
My favorite musical bit from that documentary: Joan Osborne fronting The Funk Brothers in a re-orchestrated version of the same song.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Ruffin. You were unsurpassed.
