Motown legend Jimmy Ruffin has passed away at the age of 78.

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The late singer's two children Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr. confirmed their father had passed away at his home in Las Vegas on Monday (17th November), as TMZ reports.

Ruffin was born on 7th May, 1936, in Collinsville, Mississippi, as the Independent reports. After moving to Detroit, he launched his career with Berry Gordy's Motown Records and produced the 1966 hit single 'What Becomes of the Broken-hearted'. Ruffin remained influential in Motown for decades with such hits as 'I've Passed This Way Before' and 'Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got'. He once again made it into the US Billboard 100 chart Top 10 in 1980 with 'Hold On To My Love'.

Ruffin was not the only member of his family involved in the music industry as his younger brother David Ruffin was the lead singer of The Temptations. The two worked together on the 1970s album I Am My Brother's Keeper. David later died of a drug overdose in 1991 at the age of 50. 

Jimmy is survived by his two children who paid tribute to their father. Philicia described her father as "a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry." In her statement, Philicia also thanked fans for their support and prayers. 

"My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed. We appreciate all of the love and prayers from our family, friends, his colleagues and his adoring fans. We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him," Philicia stated. 

Contactmusic send their condolences to Jimmy Ruffin's family at this time.

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