Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” Redefined Soul Balladry and Echoed the Heartache of a Generation in 1966

Released in the emotionally turbulent summer of 1966, Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” captured the ache of lost love with a poignancy rarely matched in soul music. The track, issued by Motown’s Soul Records imprint, struck a nerve with audiences across racial and generational lines. It climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Ruffin’s breakthrough moment and one of Motown’s most universally relatable anthems of heartache.

Born in Collinsville, Mississippi, in 1936, Jimmy Ruffin was the older brother of David Ruffin, who would go on to become the lead singer of The Temptations. Jimmy, however, had a smoother, more restrained vocal style—defined less by power than by aching clarity. After moving to Detroit in the late 1950s, he joined the Motown roster, where his early career simmered just below the surface of fame. But with “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” Jimmy finally stepped out of the long shadow cast by his younger sibling and into the spotlight in his own right.

The song’s origins are rooted in universal pain. Written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean (not the actor), it was initially intended for The Spinners. But when Ruffin heard the demo, he begged for the chance to record it himself. The song’s lyrics—aching, direct, and poetic—explore what happens to those left behind when love dies. Ruffin’s reading of the lyrics felt less like a performance and more like a personal confession, giving the song its unforgettable emotional depth.

Produced by William Weatherspoon and Paul Riser, the track features a subtle but powerful orchestration. The unmistakable Motown rhythm section—the legendary Funk Brothers—laid down a gentle groove with shimmering strings, a haunting organ line, and soft tambourine hits that underpinned Ruffin’s yearning vocals. The production swelled in all the right places without ever overpowering the singer, allowing his voice to remain the emotional center.

The moment the song hit the airwaves, it began to resonate with listeners who were navigating love’s inevitable fragility. Its chart performance validated Motown’s decision to showcase Ruffin more prominently. Though not the label’s flashiest or most prolific star, Ruffin carved out a niche with this single. The song spent weeks on the Billboard charts and became a transatlantic hit, laying the foundation for his status as a beloved balladeer.

Beyond the charts, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” held cultural weight. Released during a decade marked by civil rights struggles, assassinations, and personal disillusionment, the song mirrored a national mood of introspection. It didn’t just speak of romantic sorrow—it subtly tapped into the broader emotional fractures of the time. In a genre often driven by energetic rhythms and declarations of love, Ruffin’s tear-stained delivery offered a moment of stillness and deep feeling.

For Ruffin, the song was career-defining. Though he continued to record and enjoyed modest success with follow-up singles like “I’ve Passed This Way Before,” he never again matched the heights of “Brokenhearted.” Yet that one performance was enough to secure his legacy. He became a staple on soul radio, enjoyed international tours, and maintained a devoted fan base, particularly in the UK, where he found enduring popularity.

The track’s influence extended far beyond Ruffin himself. It inspired a wave of soul ballads that emphasized emotional vulnerability over bravado. Artists like Marvin Gaye and David Ruffin took note, incorporating deeper introspection into their own work. The song also helped establish Motown’s ability to market male singers as tender and emotionally complex, not just suave or powerful.

In the decades following its release, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” has been covered by countless artists, including Paul Young, Joan Osborne, and Robson & Jerome. Each interpretation brings a unique flavor, but none quite capture the raw ache of Ruffin’s original. Even with full orchestras or updated arrangements, they often circle back to the core: one man, alone with his heartbreak, asking a question that has no easy answer.

At the time of the song’s release, Ruffin’s personal life was relatively quiet compared to the turbulent dramas unfolding among many of his Motown peers. However, this distance allowed him to fully inhabit the role of the everyman—someone who hurt quietly and deeply, without spectacle. His delivery felt authentic because, to many, it seemed like he wasn’t just singing about heartbreak—he was living it.

Today, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” retains its emotional punch. Still in rotation on classic soul playlists and often used in film and television soundtracks, the song continues to introduce new generations to Jimmy Ruffin’s unmistakable voice. Its placement on numerous “Greatest Songs” lists attests to its enduring impact on both music and listeners’ lives.

The track also influenced production aesthetics. It showed that soul songs could blend orchestral elegance with street-level sentiment. The arrangement pioneered by Riser would later inform the lush textures of 1970s Philadelphia soul and even 1990s R&B balladry. Its emotional openness set a new standard for how male vulnerability could be portrayed in popular music.

Though Jimmy Ruffin passed away in 2014, his legacy lives on through this defining track. He was honored posthumously by soul music retrospectives and celebrated for lending his voice to one of Motown’s most enduring emotional landmarks. His performance remains a masterclass in restraint, clarity, and heartfelt expression.

Ultimately, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is more than a song—it’s a quiet anthem for the lonely, the grieving, and those left behind. In just under three minutes, Jimmy Ruffin asked a question that has echoed across generations. And in doing so, he gave listeners a place to mourn, to reflect, and to feel understood—proof that music, at its most powerful, offers not just entertainment, but healing.