Introduction:
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is a quintessential soul ballad by American singer Jimmy Ruffin, released on Motown Records’ Soul label in June 1966. This timeless track cemented Ruffin’s place in music history and became one of Motown’s most enduring and frequently covered songs. It’s the lead single from his album Jimmy Ruffin Sings Top Ten, which was released in 1967. The song is a powerful example of the soul genre, characterized by its emotional depth, Ruffin’s heartfelt vocals, and the signature Motown sound, meticulously crafted by the label’s in-house studio band, The Funk Brothers, and backing vocalists, The Originals and The Andantes.
The composition of “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” was a collaborative effort by songwriters William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean. Interestingly, the song was initially intended for the Motown group The Spinners. However, Jimmy Ruffin, older brother of The Temptations’ lead singer David Ruffin, felt a profound connection to the anguished lyrics about heartbreak and convinced the writers to let him record it. His passionate and poignant delivery of the song truly brought its emotional core to life, showcasing his unique vocal prowess.
Upon its release, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” quickly garnered significant attention and achieved notable commercial success. It soared to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 6 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart in the United States. Across the Atlantic, the song also made a strong impression, reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. Its enduring appeal was further demonstrated in 1974 when a reissue of the song in the UK surpassed its original chart position, climbing to an impressive number 4, making it Ruffin’s highest-placed single in the UK. The song’s introspective lyrics, coupled with its lush instrumentation and Ruffin’s stirring performance, resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying its status as a classic ballad that speaks to the universal experience of loss and longing. Its legacy is evident in its numerous covers by various artists over the decades, reaffirming its timeless lyrical and melodic beauty.