Weekend Music Twofer -- Ruffin It

 

Two of the early Motown greats were the late David Ruffin (d. 1991) and his older brother Jimmy Ruffin (who passed away on November 17, 2014).  Their signature songs, "My Girl," David's first lead vocal as a member of The Temptations, and "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," Jimmy's biggest hit, are easily among the best of the early soul/ Motown genre.  The Ruffin brothers' vocals certainly stand out as classic Motown, as do the arrangements and orchestrations on each song.  The Detroit Symphony Orchestra provided horns and strings on "My Girl" (with James Jamerson provided the iconic bass line intro), and the Funk Brothers provided instrumentation on both hits, giving them drama and a depth that the Ruffins' vocals complemented.  Hope you enjoy with fresh appreciation.

Weekend Music

 

Today would have been the 82nd birthday of The Temptations' original lead singer (and main choreographer) Paul Williams.  Williams left the group in 1971 after struggling with personal and health problems. Tragically, he died in 1973, an apparent suicide.  Here he is standing to the right of lead singer David Ruffin at the beginning of their signature song, "My Girl," singing backup and performing the steps he created.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Song

It's been awhile since we dipped into the Motown files for a song, so it's long past due.  Nearly 50 years ago, the Temptations had their breakthrough hit, "My Girl."  In the half-century since, it's become a staple of oldies stations and movie soundtracks (as well as wedding receptions).  The recording features the "classic" Temptations line up of David Ruffin (lead vocal), Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams and Eddie Kendricks.  That iconic guitar riff in the intro and in the verses?  That's Robert White of the Funk Brothers.  The strings and horns?  That's the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  Listen closely to the lush background and very high class production values throughout.  To us, though, it's Ruffin's deliberate, clipped phrasing that gets the hair standing up on the neck.  It's very likely not the first time you've heard "My Girl," but turn it up and enjoy it for the first time or all over again.