Motown Singer Jimmy Ruffin Dies Aged 78

Jimmy Ruffin, the Motown singer whose hits included What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted, has died.

The news was confirmed by the 78-year-old's children who said he passed away at a Las Vegas hospital on Monday. No details about the cause of death were given.

Ruffin was the older brother of Temptations lead singer David Ruffin, who died in 1991 aged 50.

"Jimmy Ruffin was a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry. My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed," a statement from his daughter Philicia Ruffin and the Ruffin family said.

"We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him."

Rod Stewart learned of Ruffin's death in Las Vegas, where he was doing a show, and said: "RIP, Jimmy. Heaven has never sounded so sweet."

Ruffin was born in 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi.

He was signed to Berry Gordy's Motown Records and had a string of hits in the 1960s, including What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted, which became a Top 10 pop hit.

He had continued success with songs such as I've Passed This Way Before and Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got, and made a comeback in 1980 with his second Top 10 hit, Hold On To My Love.

The song was produced by Robin Gibb, the Bee Gee who died in 2012.

Ruffin lived in England for a number of years.

Arrangements for his funeral are being made, his family said.

"We appreciate all of the love and prayers from our family, friends, his colleagues and his adoring fans," their statement said.