By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:03 pm:

Just got thru listening to Maxine Brown's, just a beautiful, R&B hit from 1965... "It's Gonna Be Alright".

Now I'm wondering... whatever happened to her?

Someone once told me long ago, that they had heard Maxine Brown resides somewhere today, in England-- true?

Maybe some of our British 'brothers' or 'sisters' can provide us more information on this, we just don't know as to her (present) whereabouts-- and David Ruffin, what's the latest on him, as well?

David Ruffin, "Gonna Give Her All The Love I Got", and, "I Passed This Way Before"... I remember they were both sensational Motown *hits* on WKNR, here in Detroit, and I'm going way back to 1967, with those two (Ruffin) 'hits'!

But "It's Gonna Be Alright"... sounded sooo smooth, and yet so beautifully 'expressed' in song, no one could have sang it better than her, than Maxine Brown... without question, that number was certainly one of my all-time R&B 'faves', from 1965!

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:10 pm:

Error, I must clarify-- that's JIMMY RUFFIN, not his brother David....

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:22 pm:

Maxine was interivewed recently for a vg book-Ladies of Soul(have to check title)which also interviewed Barbara Mason, Betty LaVette etc. The impression I got was Maxine is in the NYC area and is performing more.

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:34 pm:

Maxine
was last seen singing Oh No Not my Baby on one of the PBS rock and roll specials and she was also in NY this year sitting in the audience at BB Kings restaurant watching the Supreme Mary Wilson sing..
Stephanie

By medusa9e (66.73.2.232) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:56 pm:

The last I heard of Jimmy Ruffin, he was living somewhere N the UK, and that was a few years ago.
Not sure at this time where he is.

By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.9) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 04:59 am:

There was a great duet back in the sixties, Maxine Brown and Chuck Jackson - "We find him guilty." Another one I haven't heard since then.

Jimmy keeps turning up on nostalgia shows on British TV, but never doing what he does best - singing. Usually the same clip of him denying any connection between his brother and the Tammi tragedy. He never made a bad record at Motown - in fact many are among the best, and the songs were so strong and melodic. He had a great team and the Funks are showcased on Brokenhearted, Passed this Way, Wonderful, Farewell is a lonely sound, as is Paul Riser's exquisite arranging.

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.226.160) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 05:12 am:

jimmy ruffin lives in london and is now a recluse
on the music scene , if fact in one of his interveiws he stated he didnt really want to be a singer aslo he turned down the temps when it was offered to him, he ds a lot of time looking after his brothers estate plus defends all the slurs on his brothers name since he passed over

By Nancy (205.188.209.16) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 09:02 am:

Maxine works all over the states I had the pleasure of seeing her perform last May In New Jersey

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 09:12 am:

Hi Jim,
There's a story on Maxine in the new issue of
the UK soul magazine Manifesto. She has a new
CD due shortly. I can't lay my hands on my copy at this minute but I think they have a website - maybe someone else can post the URL.

"It's Gonna Be Alright" is one of my faves
- Theola Kilgore's version is also worth a listen.
Carole King sure wrote some great songs.

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 08:55 am:

"I Tell You It's Just A Rumour Baby" ........
but if the ink gets onto the contracts... expect a lady who cut for Wand to be in the UK soon, performing with a guy she cut with in the 60's (& who then signed with Dakar, Motown, EMI, All Platinum -- no names though coz it's a secret).

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:54 pm:

JSMITH
You are funny we know who those people are...thanks for letting us in on the ground floor though. Its time for the Brits to get ready for some more soul,,,
Stephanie

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 01:37 pm:

HEY ALL: JIMMY RUFFIN USED TO BE MY NEIGHBOR AT 1300 E. LAFAYETTE IN DETROIT DURING THE EARLY 70'S!!!...I REMEMBER THAT HIS WIFE WAS A VERY ATTRACTIVE SWEDISH WOMAN...WHO REMINDED ME SOMEWHAT OF MAY BRITT (SAMMY DAVIS JR'S FORMER WIFE)!!!...STU

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

Hello David Gordon,
Thank you... and thanks to all of you who responded, it certainly had kept this 'thread' all the more interesting.

But if there is any more one might add as to Jimmy Ruffin, of anything 'recent' or 'latest' on him, his exact whereabouts, then by all means, you can always add to-- just tell it right here!

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 06:13 pm:

Love Chuck Jackson. He sounds just as great now and looks just as good. He should have been as big as Sinatra-just as talented.

By Marv (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 07:35 am:

I recently met Maxine Brown at Mary Wilson' concert in New York. She is a very nice woman and looks very good these days. She did perform great on the PBS Special last year.

By jimmy (172.190.23.72) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 02:29 pm:

Jimmy Ruffin is alive and preparing to relaunch his some what resently nectlected career. And by the way, most of what you read or hear about me, is not to be believed, Trust me.

Forever

J R

By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 02:44 pm:

If that's really you Jimmy, it's quite an honor to have you visit the forum. I just got you Millenium Collection CD about 6 weeks ago and have been startled by the greatness of the UK hits that I had never heard before like "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful", and "Farewell Is A Lonely Sound". But the biggest revelation to me was "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", which I had not heard since the heyday of AM radio but had somehow clung to the inner recesses of my memory. When I bought the CD and heard it again for the first time in many years, I broke out in the most sublime chills; what a fantastic song.

You are certainly revered on this forum. I would love to hear your take on Joan Osborne's show stopping cover of "Brokenhearted" w/ the Funk Brothers. We would all love to see you on the next PBS special. Welcome again to Soulful Detroit!

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.25) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 02:51 pm:

Mr Jimmy Ruffin
I have been a huge fan of yours since 1970.
great to hear from you Sir.
mel(andthensome)

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 03:00 pm:

I know Mr Ruffin may well have a trump card up his sleeve, it seems. He is a great talent, again I believe, living in the United Kingdom. After seeing the Northern Soul legend Sidney Barnes at the 100 Club/Oxford Street, on Friday night, I must say what a fantastic show. What I would not pay to see Mr Jimmy Ruffin appear there and sing his classics, or indeed any new songs! One of the great voices, ever, in my opinion. Sidney Barnes had a full house and it rocked. He interacted with his fans and could not believe his eyes. He was fabulous.

I do not believe what I read most of the time and would rather speak to the horses� mouth and there is no better place than right here on soulfuldetroit. It would be nice to ask Mr Ruffin questions right now, as I believe this would help any book research he may be thinking of doing. However, I am convinced that if Jimmy Ruffin did write a book about his life, I would be the first in the queue to buy it and hopefully let him autograph for me and allow me to shake his hand at the same time.

By LG Nilsson (213.89.30.85) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 03:06 pm:

Is this really true? Am I dreaming or what? Jimmy Ruffin! I've been a fan since "Brokehearted" 1966. Welcome! I've got millions of question... Let me think... Back soon.

Lars

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 03:19 pm:

I have a question! When did you realise Mr Ruffin, that you had the type of singing voice that would be in demand for recording and how did it fit in with your other work in Detroit in the 1960's? What was the trigger to get you in the studio and more important, what made you want to stay in the studio? (That could be 1 of a possible 1000 questions!!)

By John Lester (81.132.37.120) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 03:48 pm:

Oooweee Jimmy

So what did become of the brokenhearted?

And when are WE gonna be able to see YOU to give you all the love WE'VE got!!!

By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 03:55 pm:

HEY JIMMY: I'M YOUR FORMER NEIGHBOR AT 1300 E. LAFAYETTE BACK IN THE 70'S!!!...PLEASURE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!...IT'S ALWAYS INTERESTING TO HEAR FROM AN ORIGINAL ARTIST OF A GREAT HIT LIKE "BROKENHEARTED"...TO SEE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT JOAN OSBORNE'S INTERPRETATION OF YOUR GREAT HIT!!!...ANY COMMENTS ON THAT...AND...WOULD YOU CONSIDER PERFORMING A DUET WITH JOAN ON THAT PARTICULAR TUNE...IT WOULD BE "PURE MAGIC" IN MY OPINION!!!...THANKS FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES...STUBASS

By Vickie (198.81.26.231) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 04:19 pm:

Hey There Jimmy,
Welcome to the forum....
I am so happy you are out and about..
I will never forget our phone conversation last year,,,You were so very gracious to me sharing
about your brother and Tammi...
I do hope you are still writing your memoirs..
You are a legend!!

Welcome welcome!!!!

Vickie
TammiProject@aol.com

By Common (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 05:33 pm:

A hardy welcome to Mr. Jimmy Ruffin! Wow! This is so cool to have you here in this forum. I hope you will post here more often. Last month, I just purchased your millenium collection, which is excellent! I also have the wonderful Ruffin Brothers LP that you did with your brother David & I never get tired of listening to it. Hope you do decide to tour the US sometime in the future & if you have a book in the works, I will definitely be in line to buy it! God bless!

Peace!


PS: Hey Vicki! How's it goin? :o)

By Eli (151.197.119.98) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 07:21 pm:

Hey J.R.
Its your old friend Bobby Eli here .
Welcome to our little Soulful Detroit family!!Please keep coming back.
I still cherish the time we had working together in the studio in Philly.
Contact me at my mail address which is
phillysoulman.mfsb@verizon.net

B.E.

By MsEli (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 08:53 pm:

Hey Jimmy,

Welcome home! It is time, you have been so missed. Give us back that Ruffin sound.

J

By RD (63.188.32.129) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 09:03 pm:

Hi Jimmy, went to school with four sisters who said you and David were their cousins--Alice, Mary, Pam and Loretta Ruffin. May be more people in the family, I only knew those four and didn't know their mom or dad. Mary and I are about the same age.

By Nish (66.119.34.39) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 09:12 pm:

Mr. Ruffin, welcome! You are a favorite of mine, and it is MAGNIFICENT that you have (hopefully) decided to stop by at SD every now and again! Welcome.

NISH

By Nancy (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 09:22 pm:

Welcome jimmy
glad to hear that you are re launching your career

By Mark Speck (199.183.75.62) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 09:25 pm:

Mr. Jimmy Ruffin, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to hear from you on this forum.

Don't be a stranger! We all LOVE you here!!

Best,

Mark

By Vonnie (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 10:32 pm:

Jimmy,

One of my older sister's favorite song was "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted". She died some years ago and everytime I hear that song it reminds me of her. Thanks for the memories.

Vonnie

By Common (209.2.55.172) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 05:19 pm:

So is this really Mr. Jimmy Ruffin or not? Guess I can't stand the suspense. LOL!

Peace!

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 07:31 pm:

Hello Mr. Jimmy Ruffin! Where have you been man? LOL Thanks for posting here.

By medusa9e (66.73.15.203) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 09:22 pm:

Hi There Mr. J. Ruffin,

...yes I know, I know U have passed this way B4, (smile)
this time stick around, U have been truly missed.
It's eally good 2 hear from U again!
WELCOME!!!!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 09:56 pm:

Hello Mr. Ruffin. A message to you from Cyril Clarke. "Hello Pal! Get in touch."

By SBarnes (217.44.32.129) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 08:18 am:

Hello JR,
Met you at motown many years ago,I was always a fan of yours.I'm over here in the UK right now doing some shows the people here are wonderful.
The friend I'm staying with here in Nottingham Mr.Dave Clegg saw you at the Twisted Wheel a few time and we are both big fans of yours.These great fans cant wait to see you perform here again. Take care and good luck in all you do.
Peace love and respect,
Sidney Barnes

By SBarnes (217.44.32.129) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 08:18 am:

Hello JR,
Met you at motown many years ago,I was always a fan of yours.I'm over here in the UK right now doing some shows the people here are wonderful.
The friend I'm staying with here in Nottingham Mr.Dave Clegg saw you at the Twisted Wheel a few time and we are both big fans of yours.These great fans cant wait to see you perform here again. Take care and good luck in all you do.
Peace love and respect,
Sidney Barnes

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 08:44 am:

Hey Sidney Barnes non other!! Welcome to the forum Sidney and what a great gig on Friday night at the 100 Club. It was nice to speak to you and your lovely wife. The night went so quick and you were sensational. I hope JR comes back real soon and responds to the postings. Indeed it would be an honour to have you both dropping in to give us your great stories.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 10:25 am:

Sidney,
Welcome to the forum. It's great to see you and Jimmy here. Stick around both of you. I think you will like this place.

By MEL&THEN SOME9 (212.159.53.108) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 02:44 pm:

Sidney Barnes,
say no more!!!!!!!!!
outasite!!!!!
mel.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 03:19 pm:

Hey Mr. Ruffin, I've been a big fan since about '65.Hope you are writing a book.We need for all you legends to tell it like it was and is.

By Soul Fan (64.236.243.31) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 03:21 pm:

Amen to that Tony....

By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 06:11 pm:

Do you think that was really Jimmy Ruffin? His post was so brief and more than a little enigmatic and there was no follow up, so I'm not quite sure. There are others here who would have a better hunch than me...

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 06:34 pm:

John Dixon,
The question remains-- was that actually Jimmy Ruffin?

In all reality, I held back a bit to see if there would be some further 'confirmation', if that was really Mr. Ruffin that had (allegedly) posted here, on this very discussion 'forum' thread.

At this juncture, "Jimmy" has remained completely silent, therefore I reserve my doubts-- but I could be dead wrong on this, and anyhow, it's just my 'intuitions' that's plain been rather negative on this one...???

By Eli (151.197.224.98) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 07:22 pm:

I do believe that it was him due to the e mail address which came up when I clicked on it.

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 07:38 pm:

Eli, thank you!

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 07:53 pm:

I hope it's him, I did tell him about this site when I spoke to him last year..He was so down to earth and gracious..

V.

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 08:08 pm:

Hi Vickie,

You spoke with Jimmy Ruffin, sometime last year... Vickie, would you care share with us, here, any of what was said, of your conversation you had with him?

And of course, that is only... if you really wouldn't mind telling us all about it!

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 08:17 pm:

Well let's see how this one plays out. This is a real sharp room.

By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 08:25 pm:

Hi Jim,
It was a nice talk, most of the things we talked about were small talk and for The book I am working on with Tammi's sister, so I can't say here..He was very humble and kind though..
We talked about an hour or so...He did tell me he is writing his memoirs, he was indeed one of the nicest people I have spoken with for this project and I was thrilled that he contributed what he could.. Since he is writing his memoirs he shared what he could and shared just enough for me..I hope he is still at it regarding his own book..That is one story that is in need of telling..

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 04:18 am:

I think it was Jimmy Ruffin. Let's hope he returns!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 07:32 am:

When you think about it, some pretty amazing things have happened on this Forum, so I'm quite willing to believe it was the real McCoy.

Mr Ruffin, now you've said hello, don't be a stranger. You have many friends here :o)

By Common (209.2.55.168) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 08:22 am:

Carl: I hope that JR comes back too! :o)

Peace!

By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.9) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 05:06 pm:

Jimmy, right from the sixties, your work was consistently great. I remember in 1967 hearing I PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE and thinking it was a classic. (I want it played at my funeral - sometime in the next century). We're missing you right now and other people are doing your songs. It's time for you to pass this way again.

Respect.

By Ian W (194.75.128.2) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:20 am:

Jimmy and Sidney, you'll always be in style, I'll say forever!

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:19 pm:

Here's a Jimmy Ruffin interview, online... but no date was noted when the interview was conducted:

http://members.tripod.com/soulsource/ruffin.htm

By Scratcher (65.132.76.48) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:39 pm:

That Jimmy Ruffin interview shows how things either get twisted or singers sometimes forget things.

In the interview Jimmy states he didn't record for Motown until he got out of the Army. Every other account says he cut "Don't Feel Sorry For Me" b/w "Heart" on Motown's Miracles label in 1961 then was drafted. When he got out the service he resume with Motown on their Soul label with the first single being "Since I've Lost You" in 1964 followed by "As Long As There Is L-O-V-E Love" (which was popular in other cities besides Detroit) then "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted."

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 07:18 pm:

It is with great pleasure that I discovered this thread tonight for the first time.

I said recently that I thought "I've passed this way before" was a great representation of the Motown Sound.

It's only my opinion.

Jimmy, if you're still looking in, thanks for giving us some incredible music.

David

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 07:27 pm:

Hi Scratcher!

And you know that Jimmy Ruffin, at least here in the United States, well he has virtually become a Motown 'entity' who seemingly had 'disappeared' to obscurity years ago, and seems that nothing much had been 'learned' about him, or not much is known about the 'man' himself from that point in his life, long ago... and ever since.

But as Jimmy Ruffin had said (see above; Sunday, April 27, 2003) on this site, some days ago, quote... "...and by the way, most of what you read or hear about me, is not to be believed, trust me", I'll just have to go by what all he had to say in 'good faith' (no reason he would lie about it), as was noted in the above 'posted' interview he gave... to whoever.

In having said, well, that my friend was the 'straight' talk as he told it... from Mr. JR... himself!

By Scratcher (65.132.78.174) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 09:11 pm:

I hear you Jim but it was JR who once said he made the one record on Miracles label and then got drafted. It's in one of those Motown books. Can't remember which one.

How do you explain the three year gap from the Miracle release to the Soul release? From the interview you'd think the Soul releases followed right behind the sole release on Miracles with no big gap in time. That simply isn't true.

I'm a big Jimmy Ruffin fan, Jim. I have all his albums, even the one with David. I saw him live a couple of times too, I even know one of JR's best friends when he lived in Detroit--Jimmy Roach. I've never lived in Detroit but know Roach.

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 10:13 pm:

Scratcher,

I know you are a 'great' fan of Jimmy Ruffin, as well as I and everyone that has been touched by his music, even here... of those who 'frequent' this site!

Geez, even though Jimmy is in no way obligated to respond here, hence, since his prefered obscurity (and that's his choice, there is nothing wrong with that since we respect his personal privacy anyway), but wouldn't it be nice if he would respond-- to any of those questions, right here?

By the way Scratcher, believe it or not (and this is only because I been so busy with my time, as of late), I just saw this morning, for the very first time the DVD release "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown Shadows Of Motown."

I cannot fully describe the sense of emotion I truly felt... my eyes almost began to well as chills ran up and down thru me, as Joan Osborne begin to sing her cover version of "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted."

At that moment, it was the sense of pride I truly felt, that I was born in the very city in which this 'sound' was created right here, mostly during the 1960s (my teen years), and I was fortunate (and proud) to grow up in the very city in which this 'sound' had impacted the 'lives' of many of us here, those of us who remember what Motown was all about... from even back then.

Motown... the very 'name' and that very 'sound', had long been forever etched into our hearts... !

By Scratcher (65.132.78.174) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 10:34 pm:

Jim, often a writer's work is edited to fit a space and things are left out or condensed. In addition, many times the writer, while trying to ask questions, listen to the answers, and write at the same time misses or confuses some events and timeframes.

By motown_david (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 06:04 pm:

I've just had an email from Maxine Brown in New York to say that she will be appearing In Cleethorpes, England,on the weekend of June 6th - 8th. Now what do I do cos I ain't got a ticket!!!!!!
David.

By Michael/cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 10:29 am:

At Mary Wilson's last gig at BB King's, Maxine Brown was in the audience and Mary introduced her to the crowd to a wonderful reaction. Maxine seemed surprised that so many people remembered her (I was sitting at the next table). Mary cracked everyone up by saying "Is that Maxine Brown? Oh my God, girl you look good!"

By FRANCIS T (195.92.168.176) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 02:37 pm:

re MAXINE BROWN.

IS CHUCK JACKSON COMING TO THE UK AT THE SAME TIME
FOR CLEETHORPES??HAS THE RUMOUR BEEN CONFIRMED YET

GREAT IF TRUE.IF NOT CANT WAIT TO SEE MAXINE AGAIN.
RGARDS FRANCIS T.