Bruce Ruffin

Bruce Ruffin came out of the Techniques and went solo to record for Leslie Kong. With Leslie Kong he recorded more than enough tracks for an album ‘Bitterness Of Life and ‘I’m The One’ were two very popular tunes from the time. ‘Dry Up Your Tears’ for Beverley’s though was the big hit for the label with its tender little organ riff. 

Another tune ’Long About Now’ also very popular, sounds like a Beverley’s production - but is also claimed by Lee Perry, Lloyd Charmers and Winston Riley. Take your pick!

In 1971, Bruce started to work with Herman Chin Loy. At the time Herman was working with Geoffrey Chung from the Now Generation. What they came up was ‘Rain’ a cover of José Feliciano. A very heavy reggae rhythm was given the pop treatment by Trojan who added strings and a ‘James Bond’ horn section! It turned into a pop hit. 

The follow up was the much better ‘One Big Happy Family’ released in the UK on Trojan.

Its not included here - but a lot of great music is. Including the music he recorded for The Techniques. 

An interesting vocalist Bruce usually sticks to the higher and mid range - but occasionally goes Into a vocal that must have influence the late Junior Delgado. He had another pop hit in 1973 with ‘Mad About You’ released on Rhino.  Appearing on Top Of The Pops dressed in a pirate suit complete with a Parrot on his shoulder!