Introduction:
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is a soulful ballad by American singer Jimmy Ruffin, released on Motown’s Soul label on June 3, 1966. The song was penned by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, and produced by Weatherspoon and William “Mickey” Stevenson. Originally intended for The Spinners, Ruffin, the older brother of Temptations lead singer David Ruffin, convinced the writers to let him record it, resonating deeply with its theme of heartbreak.
The recording features Ruffin’s emotive vocals, backed by Motown’s in-house band, The Funk Brothers, with string arrangements by Paul Riser. Background vocals were provided by The Originals and The Andantes, adding depth to the track. The song’s poignant lyrics and soulful melody struck a chord with audiences, leading it to peak at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. In the UK, it reached No. 8 upon its initial release and climbed to No. 4 during a 1974 reissue, marking it as Ruffin’s highest-charting UK single.
The song’s enduring appeal is evident through numerous covers by artists such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, Robson & Jerome, and Joan Osborne. Its inclusion in various films and television shows, including “The Wonder Years,” “Big Little Lies,” and “For All Mankind,” has introduced the classic to new generations.
Jimmy Ruffin’s heartfelt performance and the song’s universal theme of lost love have solidified “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” as a timeless classic in the soul and Motown genres. Its legacy continues to influence artists and resonate with listeners worldwide, reflecting the universal experience of heartbreak and the search for solace.