David Ruffin Net Worth at Death: How Much Did the Temptations Singer Make?

David Ruffin was a founding member of the Temptations, one of the most successful vocal groups in history. He was known for his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. After leaving the Temptations in 1968, Ruffin enjoyed a successful solo career, but his personal life was plagued by drug abuse and legal problems. He died of a drug overdose in 1991 at the age of 50.

Ruffin’s net worth at the time of his death is estimated to have been around $10 million. This included his earnings from his music career, as well as from his personal investments. Ruffin’s estate was left to his wife, Brenda, and their two children.

| David Ruffin Net Worth At Death | Date of Death | Source |
|—|—|—|
| $3 million | April 1, 1991 | [Celebrity Net Worth](https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/singers/david-ruffin-net-worth/) |

David Ruffin’s Career

Ruffin’s early years with the Temptations

David Ruffin was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on January 18, 1941. He was the youngest of six children. His father was a minister, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Ruffin began singing in the church choir at a young age.

In 1958, Ruffin moved to Detroit, Michigan, with his family. He soon met Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin, two members of a local group called the Elgins. The three of them formed a new group called the Temptations, along with Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams.

The Temptations signed with Motown Records in 1961. They released their first album, Meet the Temptations, in 1962. The album was a commercial success, and the Temptations quickly became one of the most popular groups in Motown’s roster.

The Temptations’ early hits included “The Way You Do Things,” “My Girl,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” The group’s sound was characterized by Ruffin’s soaring falsetto vocals, which contrasted with the deep baritone of Otis Williams.

The Temptations were one of the most successful groups of the 1960s. They released a string of hit albums and singles, and they toured extensively around the world. The group was also known for their stylish performances, which helped to define the Motown sound.

Ruffin’s solo career

In 1968, Ruffin left the Temptations to pursue a solo career. He released his debut album, David Ruffin, in 1969. The album was a commercial success, and it spawned the hit single “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me).”

Ruffin continued to release albums throughout the 1970s. However, his solo career was not as successful as his time with the Temptations. Ruffin struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, and his personal life was often in turmoil.

In 1983, Ruffin was found dead in his hotel room in Philadelphia. He was 41 years old.

Ruffin’s death

Ruffin’s death was ruled a suicide. He had been struggling with drug and alcohol abuse for many years, and he had been arrested several times for drug possession.

Ruffin’s death was a shock to the music world. He was considered one of the greatest soul singers of all time. His death was also a reminder of the dark side of the music industry, and the struggles that many musicians faced.

Ruffin’s legacy is one of great talent and unfulfilled potential. He was a gifted singer who had a unique voice. His music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

David Ruffin’s Personal Life

Ruffin’s marriages and children

Ruffin was married three times. His first marriage was to Sandra Sullivan. The couple had two children together, David Jr. and Kimberly. Ruffin and Sullivan divorced in 1972.

Ruffin’s second marriage was to Renee Harvin. The couple had one child together, Nicole. Ruffin and Harvin divorced in 1977.

Ruffin’s third marriage was to Joy Gassaway. The couple had one child together, David III. Ruffin and Gassaway divorced in 1982.

Ruffin’s drug and alcohol abuse

Ruffin struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for many years. He was addicted to heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. His drug and alcohol abuse led to several arrests and stints in rehab.

Ruffin’s drug and alcohol abuse had a negative impact on his personal life and his career. He was often late for rehearsals and performances, and he was sometimes unable to perform at all. His drug and alcohol abuse also led to financial problems.

Ruffin’s death

Ruffin was found dead in his hotel room in Philadelphia on June 1, 1983. He was 41 years old. The cause of death was ruled a suicide.

Ruffin’s death was a shock to the music world. He was considered one of the greatest soul singers of all time. His death was also a reminder of the dark side of the music industry, and the struggles that many musicians faced.

Ruffin’s legacy is one of great talent and unfulfilled potential. He was a gifted singer who had a unique voice. His music continues to be enjoyed by fans

David Ruffin’s Legacy

David Ruffin was a major figure in the Motown sound of the 1960s and 1970s. As a member of the Temptations, he helped to define the group’s signature sound, which combined soulful vocals with a polished, pop-friendly sensibility. Ruffin’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence made him a star, and he was one of the most popular Motown artists of his time.

Ruffin’s legacy is multifaceted. He was a talented singer and performer, and he helped to shape the sound of Motown and popular music in general. He was also a complex and troubled figure, and his personal struggles have been well-documented. However, despite his personal problems, Ruffin’s talent and influence continue to be recognized and appreciated today.

Ruffin’s impact on music

Ruffin’s voice was one of the most distinctive in Motown history. His powerful baritone was perfectly suited for the Temptations’ lush, orchestral arrangements. Ruffin’s vocals were also a key part of the group’s signature sound, which combined soulful vocals with a polished, pop-friendly sensibility. Ruffin’s influence can be heard in the work of many other soul and R&B singers, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross.

In addition to his work with the Temptations, Ruffin also released a number of solo albums. His solo work was not as successful as his work with the Temptations, but it nevertheless showcased his talent as a singer and songwriter. Ruffin’s solo albums also helped to expand the boundaries of Motown, as he experimented with a variety of musical styles, including rock and roll, funk, and disco.

Ruffin’s influence on other artists

Ruffin’s impact on other artists is undeniable. He was a role model for many young singers, and his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence inspired a generation of soul and R&B singers. Ruffin’s influence can be heard in the work of artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston.

Ruffin’s legacy is also evident in the work of many contemporary soul and R&B singers. His vocal style and stage presence have been emulated by countless artists, and his songs continue to be covered by new generations of musicians. Ruffin’s influence is a testament to his talent and his lasting impact on popular music.

Ruffin’s posthumous honors

Ruffin died in 1991 at the age of 50. Despite his personal problems, Ruffin’s talent and influence were recognized by his peers and fans. In 1998, Ruffin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Temptations. In 2004, Ruffin was ranked number 63 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Ruffin’s legacy continues to be celebrated today. His music is still enjoyed by fans around the world, and his story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever struggled with personal problems. Ruffin was a true original, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

David Ruffin’s Net Worth

David Ruffin’s net worth at death was estimated to be $10 million. Ruffin earned most of his money from his music career, both with the Temptations and as a solo artist. He also earned money from endorsements and other business ventures.

Ruffin’s earnings during his lifetime

Ruffin’s earnings during his lifetime are difficult to estimate accurately. However, it is known that he earned a significant amount of money from his music career. Ruffin was one of the most popular Motown artists of his time, and he was able to command high fees for his performances. He also earned money from the sale of his records and from royalties.

In addition to his music career, Ruffin also earned money from endorsements and other business ventures. He endorsed a number of products, including clothing, cologne, and automobiles. He also owned a number of businesses, including a recording studio and a restaurant.

Ruffin’s estate after his death

Ruffin’s estate was estimated to be worth $10 million at the time of his death. The estate was divided between his widow, his children, and his grandchildren.

Ruffin’s net worth at death

David Ruffin’s net worth at death was estimated to be $10 million. Ruffin earned

Q: What was David Ruffin’s net worth at death?

A: David Ruffin’s net worth at death was estimated to be $10 million.

Q: How did David Ruffin make his money?

A: David Ruffin made his money through his career as a singer and songwriter. He was a founding member of the Temptations, one of the most successful Motown groups of all time. Ruffin had a number of solo hits, including “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)”, “Walk Away From Love”, and “I’ll Be in Trouble”.

Q: What was David Ruffin’s biggest hit?

A: David Ruffin’s biggest hit was “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)”. The song was released in 1968 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Q: How many albums did David Ruffin release?

A: David Ruffin released six solo albums during his career. His debut album, “David Ruffin”, was released in 1969 and reached number two on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.

Q: What was David Ruffin’s cause of death?

A: David Ruffin died of a cocaine overdose on June 1, 1991. He was 50 years old.

David Ruffin’s net worth at death was estimated to be $10 million. He was a successful singer and songwriter who achieved fame as a member of the Temptations. Ruffin’s solo career was also successful, and he released several hit singles. He died of a drug overdose in 1991 at the age of 50.

Ruffin’s life and career are a reminder of the highs and lows of the music industry. He was a talented singer who achieved great success, but he also struggled with drug addiction and other personal problems. Despite his struggles, Ruffin left a lasting legacy on music. He was a pioneer of soul music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of today.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• David Ruffin was a successful singer and songwriter who achieved fame as a member of the Temptations.
• Ruffin’s solo career was also successful, and he released several hit singles.
• Ruffin died of a drug overdose in 1991 at the age of 50.
• Ruffin’s life and career are a reminder of the highs and lows of the music industry.
• Ruffin was a talented singer who achieved great success, but he also struggled with drug addiction and other personal problems.
• Despite his struggles, Ruffin left a lasting legacy on music. He was a pioneer of soul music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of today.