(November 5, 2017) We are sad to report the death of another member of a famous Detroit soul music family. Marvin Ruffin, cousin to Motown stalwarts David and Jimmy Ruffin, has died at age 59.
Ruffin grew up in Detroit, regularly rubbing elbows with the star friends of his older cousins. But he was not a professional singer, instead working as a mechanic and working with his band on the weekends. Eventually he was able to follow his passion to perform soul music live, even as it led him to Europe, where he performed regularly as a headliner in clubs, or as the warm-up act for major stars in large arenas. His act typically included covers of great Motown hits of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and, of course, his famous cousins.
Like many talented singers who entertained on the local level, Marvin Ruffin amassed a legion of fans – in his case on both sides of the Atlantic – who will mourn his passing but will remember his performances. Rest in peace.
