Jimmy Ray Ruffin died peacefully on Monday in his Las Vegas home, surrounded by his family and friends, after being reportedly ill in an intensive care unit at a hospital since last month. He was 78.
The Motown crooner, who is best known for his chart-topping hits like "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Hold on to My Love," has died and his children were the ones to confirm the unfortunate news.
Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr. and Philicia Ruffin have released a statement regarding their father's passing, describing him as "a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry," reports The Independent.
"My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed," Philicia said in the statement . "We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him. We appreciate all of the love and prayers from our family, friends, his colleagues and his adoring fans."
Apart from thanking everyone for their support and confirming that Jimmy Ray Ruffin has died, the singer's family has not spilled specific details on how he died and what caused his death.
After news of the crooner's death circulated online, many took to Twitter to pay their respects to Jimmy.
"Goodbye mr jimmy ruffin. Another soul great leaves us!" singer Boy George tweeted on Wednesday.
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy also issued a statement amid Ruffin's death, according to Rolling Stone.
"Jimmy Ruffin was a phenomenal singer," Gordy said. "He was truly underrated because we were also fortunate to have his brother, David, as the lead singer of the Temptations, who got so much acclaim. Jimmy, as a solo artist, had 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,' one of the greatest songs put out by Motown and also one of my personal favorites."
"He was a wonderful human being, quiet and unassuming, who touched many lives with his music, not just here in the states, but overseas, as well. Jimmy Ruffin will always be a part of the Motown legacy, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans," Gordy added.
Jimmy Ray Ruffin, who died on Monday, was born on May 7, 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi, Daily Mail has learned.
At 25, he signed to Gordy's Motown Records and has since produced remarkable songs. His famous "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" even penetrated the Billboard's Top 11 pop charts in 1966.
Following his chart-topping single, his music career continued to flourish with songs such as "I've Passed This Way Before" and "Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got."
Aside from Jimmy, his brother, David also made it big in the music industry.
David, who passed away of drug overdose at the age of 50 in 1991, was the lead singer of The Temptations.
In memory of David, Jimmy Ray became an anti-drug advocate.
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