Soul singer Jimmy Ruffin passed away at the age of 78 in a Las Vegas hospital Monday , The Los Angeles Times reported.
No cause of death has been announced for the "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" singer.
The singer's children, Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr., released a statement with regards to their father's death.
"Jimmy Ruffin was a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry," the statement read. "My family in its entirety is extremely upset over his death. He will truly be missed. We will treasure the many fond and wonderful memories we all have of him."
Motown founder Berry Gordy also released a statement Wednesday about Ruffin's death, according to Rolling Stone.
"He was a wonderful human being, quiet and unassuming, who touched many lives with his music, not just here in the states, but overseas as well," Gordy said. "Jimmy Ruffin will always be a part of the Motown legacy and I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans."
Ruffin was born in Collinsville, Mississippi in 1936 and signed with Gordy and Motown to release "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." It became Ruffin's first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It was followed by a slew of other hits, such as "I've Passed This Way Before," "Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got," "I'll Say Forever My Love" and more.
Ruffin was also the older brother of David Ruffin, the lead singer of the Temptations. In 1970, the brothers released a collaboration album titled "I Am My Brother's Keeper," which featured renditions of the songs "Stand By Me" and "He Ain't My Heavy He's My Brother."
Ruffin's brother passed away at the age of 50 in 1991 due to a drug overdose, which prompted Ruffin to become an outspoken anti-drug advocate.