Some folks deal with heartbreak better than others. On the one hand, it can conjure up a lot of raw, angry emotions, which may or may not lead you to write a bitter and spiteful 12+ minute goth-rock opus about it (see yesterday’s Manic Monday for example). But on the opposite end of the spectrum, some people can be a bit more philosophical (not to mention classy) about heartbreak and the topic of love in general. The late great Jimmy Ruffin was one such cat, as evidenced by his classic Motown ballad “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” released way back in 1966.
There has always been something different, something a little extra special and more profound, about this tune compared to the plethora of other great hits that came out of that genre. It always felt like Jimmy was saying something “real” here, which comes across in this deeply soulful and yearning performance of the song from 1969. Whether it’s the most excellent Motown song of all time is highly debated (it would certainly get this writer’s vote), but whatever case, it’s undoubtedly one of the best. R.I.P. Jimmy.
