From the Vault: Hear long lost single from the late Marvin Ruffin

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    (November 25, 2017) Last month, we reported the death of soul singer Marvin Ruffin, an excellent vocalist who was also the cousin to Motown stalwarts David and Jimmy Ruffin.

    Ruffin grew up in Detroit, regularly rubbing elbows with the star friends of his older cousins. But he was not a professional singer, instead working as a mechanic and working with his band on the weekends. Eventually he was able to follow his passion to perform soul music live, even as it led him to Europe, where he performed regularly as a headliner in clubs, or as the warm-up act for major stars in large arenas. His act typically included covers of great Motown hits of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and, of course, his famous cousins.

    After we reported Marvin’s death we received a note with a rare recording of a song by Marvin that had never been released.

    (November 25, 2017) Last month, we reported the death of soul singer Marvin Ruffin, an excellent vocalist who was also the cousin to Motown stalwarts David and Jimmy Ruffin.

    Ruffin grew up in Detroit, regularly rubbing elbows with the star friends of his older cousins. But he was not a professional singer, instead working as a mechanic and working with his band on the weekends. Eventually he was able to follow his passion to perform soul music live, even as it led him to Europe, where he performed regularly as a headliner in clubs, or as the warm-up act for major stars in large arenas. His act typically included covers of great Motown hits of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and, of course, his famous cousins.

    After we reported Marvin’s death we received a note with a rare recording of a song by Marvin that had never been released.

    The song was written by Bob Bingham and arranged and produced by Paul Brooks. As soon as Paul heard the track, he knew immediately who should be the one to sing it: Marvin Ruffin.

    Paul says “On a cold and rainy winter's day, ten years ago, we all met in the recording studios and in walked Marvin Ruffin. Tall and energetic, his personality filled the room. When Marvin began singing, we all stopped to listen to the raw talent and the clever way that he put his own spin on the vocals. I remember Marvin saying that he loved the track and what a great song.”

    We’re proud to present “Serious,” the long lost Marvin Ruffin song. Check it out below.

    Marvin Ruffin – “Serious”

    Click below to purchase “Serious”

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