'Temptations’ David Ruffin Proposed to Famous Singer When He Was Married & Had 3 Kids - Inside His Love Life

David Ruffin will always be remembered for his charisma and singing talent on the big stage. However, his personal life was not as successful as his career. Inside the life of David Ruffin.

Before his demise, David Ruffin was well known as an American Soul singer and musician. Born on January 18, 1941, Ruffin developed his love for music at a young age. He began writing songs as a teenager and was eventually signed to Motown Records.

Ruffin became a household name when he became one of the group's lead singers for The Temptations. His musical talent was often talked about; however, his personal and love lives appeared filled with much drama.

Amongst all his romantic involvements, his relationship with famous singer Tammi Terrell struck a chord. Ruffin and Terrell's romance started in 1966 after the latter had left her abusive relationship with James Brown.

Not long after they began dating, Ruffin popped the question, and Terrell accepted his marriage proposal. Filled with excitement, Terrell announced her engagement on stage, but things didn't go as planned.

After her big revelation, the singer discovered that Ruffin was already married and had three children. In addition, The Temptations' lead singer had another girlfriend in Detroit. Apart from his cheating ways, Ruffin was battling with substance abuse.

These led to several misunderstandings in his relationship with Terrell. In 1967, Ruffin did the unthinkable when he hit his girlfriend in the head with his motorcycle helmet. Hurt greatly by his actions, Terrell ended their relationship.

Ruffin was dropped by a friend at the emergency room entrance of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

After his breakup with Terrell, Ruffin continued with his career. He got inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and his struggle with substance abuse worsened. In the late 80s, he was arrested for drug possession.

He spent six months in jail and eventually went through rehabilitation. Later on, Ruffin moved to Philadelphia with his girlfriend, Diane Showers, and all his efforts to stay clean proved abortive.

The musician often disappeared into properties to buy drugs and got high a lot. He was described as a walking skeleton, but his children—David, Cheryl, Nedra, and Kimberly thought of him differently.

Cheryl once noted that Ruffin taught her how to drive, took her to get a driving license, and taught her and her siblings how to ride horses.

Even though Ruffin was considered amazing by his kids, his limo driver thought otherwise; he remembers him as someone who got high most of the time.

On June 1, 1991, Ruffin was dropped by a friend at the emergency room entrance of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital after he had collapsed in a crack house in West Philadelphia. An hour later, the singer was confirmed dead.

Investigations revealed that Ruffin died of an adverse reaction to cocaine, and his death was ruled as an accident. Following his demise, the crack house was searched and sealed.