Honors and Awards

David was inducted into the ROCK N ROLL HALL of FAME in 1989 for his work with the Temptations. Known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals (not to mention the many high octave levels he could reach) Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 GREATEST SINGERS OF ALL TIMES by ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE in 2008.

Fellow MOTOWN recording  artist, Marvelous MARVIN GAYE, was impressed with the virility of  Ruffin's voice. Gaye said David's work, "Made me recall that when a lot of women listen to music, they want to feel the power of a REAL MAN."  Ruffin himself said, "I don't really know what kind of voice I have, I really don't. . . It's just about the feeling I get for the song." However, both artist had mutual respect for their contributions to the Motown sound.  Ruffin's most notable non-vocal contribution was the masterminding of the trademark four-headed microphone stand. This was a great addition to the group, and to the group's stage appearance. 

In 2013 David was inducted twice into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame at Cleveland State University, once for the Temptations, and for a solo artist.  David was also inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. 

In 1995  he was inducted into the Jackson Mississippi Hall of Fame. 

In 2017 David  was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

In June 2019 the city of Detroit unveiled "David Ruffin Avenue" as the secondary street name where he formerly lived. 

On October 26, 2019, the city of Meridian ceremonially named a section of 8th Street near the Temple Theatre  "David Ruffin Boulevard." Ruffin was born in nearby Whynot, but claimed Meridian as home. He received his STAR on Mississippi's Arts + Entertainment Experience's Walk of Fame. The Jackson State University's Sonic marching band led a parade.

 Last but not least, Ruffin is also the recipient of The Grammy Lifetime Achievement  Award. David is not done yet. There is more to come.