By AnnaKonda (64.238.146.182) on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 11:27 pm:

Goodness! How many experts there are-- it's unbelievable. I always loved the Tempts, but David Ruffin really sent the shivers down my spine. I am really, really interested in his story as a human, not a star. What, in the world, destroyed him? I am currently writing a book (in German) based on his life. While I was researching, I really got interested in him and would like to write his biography-- a well researched book that does not contain trashy stuff. I envision something scholarly rather. Unfortunately, there's a wealth of musical info available, but almost nothing about his life off-stage. I am looking for more details about his childhood,for example. Are there any of his classmates or other friends/acquaintenances around who would volunteer to tell me something about him?
I know this project will swallow whatever time I can spare, but I think David Ruffin is worth a serious book.
Any suggestions from Vickie, for example, on how to approach the subject?
I'm so glad I found a Forum that is not only about shallow gossip.
Thank you all.
P.S: I am sory, but I have also posted this message under an inappropriate head line about viruses-- only proves that I am a newcomer.

By Vickie (198.81.26.170) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 11:33 am:

I can give you some notes on how I started....and the process that follows...

TammiProject@aol.com
Vickie

By Kenderella (152.163.252.68) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 06:55 pm:

I think you should go about your pursuit in another manner. To think you would actually come on a message board and ask people to help you write an auto biography of David Ruffin is absurd. A family member is in the process of writing a book about David. I don't think some one who did not know him and is seeking information that might not be accurate, is qualified to write a autobiography. You come on the board and get information from sources here, then you are going to turn around and sell the same information back to these people...without a discount. I think you might be curious to know the REAL David Ruffin, which is okay, but I don't think this forum is the place for it. May you find out all you think you want to know about the man. Nothing has changed since he died...people trying to pick him apart. Let the man rest in peace!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 07:06 pm:

Kenderella:
I may not have known David Ruffin but there are those out here in the Forum who worked with Motown, the Temptations & David Ruffin in some capacity or another.

I sure that the Poster would speak to a family member or members of David's. The next thing would be to speak to those who worked with him (outside of the Tempts' Otis Williams)and a few of those folks come out here (including the Funk Brothers).

I would like to know more about the man whose voice moved me since I was a youngster listening to "Since I Lost My Baby" and "Walk Away From Love" on my record player. And those who come out here on the Forum who are from Detroit have shared their experiences.

I think this Forum is one place to find out even if you don't.

Regards,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Vickie (198.81.26.170) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:01 pm:

Don't give up Anna,
Passion drives a book project....Write the best book you know how..And let others write theirs...I came to this forum for more reasons that just a book....A book is a long process.

Hang in There!


Vickie

By Common (209.2.55.170) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 09:31 am:

Hello everyone,

I think the reluctance comes in is because there have been so much negative focus on Mr. Ruffin's personal life & not enough on his music. Very few want the truth but prefer to rely on scandalous gossip & rumors(or the miniseries). I would love to know what made the man tick. Very interested to see what his brother will write. If you are sincere about it, I'm sure you will get alot of help with your book. Good luck!

Peace!

By Kenderella (152.163.252.68) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 10:14 pm:

Kevin, I respect your opinion, but I still have reservations of the veracity of this person.
Yes, Common, I am very reluctant about someone writing a biography of David Ruffin. I just don't want to hear about any more negativity and sordid details. We all know the man had issues, which is what took him down; but must we know every sordid detail. I just have a suspicion that Anna Konda is just being nosy and not really serious about writing a book. David has fueled her passion and she just wants more. Why is she writing a book in German and claims to be in San Antonio TX? If she is in fact, in the US, why write in German? Writers don't usually come to message boards seeking reliable information. Instinct tells me Anna Konda is just nosy and when she gets all the information she needs, she will be on her way and a book will never materialize.
Peace

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 10:26 pm:

Kenderella:
Any book that is published about a celebrity is going to show all sides of that person and their life. I've read some autobiographies that gave blow-by-blow accounts & I've read biographies that were tame. Let's hope that this writer will seek out as much information as possible & she gets the cooperation from all who knew David so that she could write a balanced biography.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 10:27 pm:

PS - Maybe the author is working out of San Antonio & the publisher is in Germany?

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 10:30 pm:

Kev,

Anyone can say they're writing a book -- this is the Internet, after all. But before people give of their time and memories to someone they don't know, I'd look into how serious a project it is first.

In Vickie's case, she got Ludie Montgomery's participation early on, so to have Tammi Terrell's sister working with you means you're not just going around blowing smoke. There's going to be real information in what they end up writing, and it'll get published somewhere, somehow.

But those of us who work on actual projects that do see the light of day are a little frustrated when everybody and their cousin says they're writing a book, as if it's as easy to be published as writing out a grocery list.