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Post by Andy on Nov 2, 2003 13:53:37 GMT -5
I 'm in between parties, and like Molly- you remind me of someone I knew on the old board- I can't spell, so please bear with me. My post about the first time I saw the guys in concert was not my story about the one time I met David Ruffin. This is the only way I can tell it. All dates and times are approximations. Here goes. It is October , 1988. David and Eddie are billed for a concert at the Dade County zoo. My first wife and I go there to see the show, as I had not seen DR live for 20 years, although I tried to see him during the Reunion Tour but he had already left the group. As we get to the concert area, I see David off to my left, right by the stage but on ground level.There are 12-15 fans around him, and he appears to be signing autographs and just talking. My wife suggests for me to go up. I start walking. Half way there the fans disperse as if DR told them he had to go. David turns and walks toward the back area. I walk faster to where he had been. I get there and shout out "David".This is one of those moments where events move in slow speed. I watch DR after I shouted his name. He took a step forward, continuing with his walk to the back of the stage. His strides were long and slow. His head was down. He took another step, and I began to feel disappointment, and I inhaled to call his name again. David took a third step before I could say anything. On that third step, he pivoted. He turned and walked back to me. With each step, David became taller. I am not tall at all, but David was taller up close than I thought. He came up to me. No one else came over. I told him I was a big fan since the Temptration days, and we talked about little things. Then I remember picking up on something he said about some other acts, and I told him I had seen alot of other acts, but that ,"You are the greatest entertainer that I have ever seen".David looked down at me, and broke into a smile. It really was not an ordinary smile. It was the kind of smile that comes spontaneously and from the heart, that is my belief. And with that, David bent over and gently hugged me. Now, this was a tad embarrassing to be hugged by a guy so tall. My head only came halfway up his chest. But I had a sense of euphoria. The longer David hugged me, the happier I became, and it seemed to last for minutes. To this day I am proud of that moment. But what I am truly proud of, is that for one moment I made David smile from ear to ear. I gave back to him just a small sense of the happiness he gave to me.
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Post by BeesNVMe on Nov 2, 2003 15:29:10 GMT -5
Hi Andy...that was a very touching story. You described that walk to a tee! Leon almost had him down pat in the mini series. That's one thing I remember most about him...when he walked, he took long leisurely strides...head bobbing...and looking down as if he didn't have a care in the world. One of his grandson's walks so much like him, it's frightening!!! The first time I saw him, my mouth dropped open. His daughter saw my reaction and laffed at me. She said...he walks just like my daddy, doesn't he? All I could do was sit there with my mouth open and nod my head. Andy, there's another story I have to tell you about a blind man. (I know...most of you have heard it...but I gotta tell it to Andy)
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Post by BeesNVMe on Nov 2, 2003 15:33:19 GMT -5
...another thing....I have often heard stories about David being nasty to fans. I have never seen him be nasty to any fan. From the time I was a teenager and going to The Regal Theater to see The Motown Revue...I have never seen this purported behavior. He, Eddie, and Melvin were the most friendly...always laughing and joking with us. I have never spoken a mumbling word to Oatass...he always looked at us like he smelled something...not very approachable at all.
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Post by Joda on Nov 2, 2003 16:42:05 GMT -5
:)What a delightful story.Thank yu for your shared memory. Indeed you got it right. His walk was distinctive. You should have seen him walk with his shirt open. It flapped in the breeze with those long strides. ;D In regard to what CP just posted, I have never seen David being rude to a fan. That is one of the reasons I came to this board, to try and stop some of the fabrications told about him. Thank you for the visuals CP and Andy...
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Post by Joda on Nov 2, 2003 16:54:05 GMT -5
CP, I posted this twice so you can see that there is a problem with member/non-member. Thanks.
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Common
Ultimate Ruffness
You Got To Feel It!
Posts: 7,442
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Post by Common on Nov 2, 2003 16:58:20 GMT -5
What a wonderful story to read on a quiet Sunday afternoon! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Andy! What a great encounter to have had with the Ruff man. In several pics that I've seen of DR with the Tempts or with other people, David always has his arm around somebody, male or female. That speaks alot to me. I'm fascinated with people's body language, & it struck me that David was a caring person that like to give hugs as well as receive it. Sometimes a simple touch can speak louder than any words. Thank you for that beautiful story, Andy!
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Post by Joda on Nov 2, 2003 17:03:57 GMT -5
Common that is so true. What a great way to summarize!!!
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molly
Ultimate Ruffness
Posts: 7,446
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Post by molly on Nov 2, 2003 17:12:31 GMT -5
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der68
Ultimate Ruffness
Posts: 3,573
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Post by der68 on Nov 2, 2003 18:47:33 GMT -5
Andy and CP those are beautiful memories that you both shared. I had met David briefly after a performance.The next time I saw him,me and my then boyfriend went to a after performance party. David looked to me to be taller off stage than on. Him and Tammi Terrell walked in together,and I thought what an attractive couple. It was like they both made the room brighter in a room full of stars. What struck me about my first conversation with David Ruffin was his speaking voice. I don't know how I expected him to speak,but I remember the first time I heard him say more than a few word's I was surprised. Molly {got to get used to that} I know what you say is true about David's openess to the fans. When I met him,they had just finished performing,hot,sweating and probably tired. He was so down to earth and funny. All the guys were. I don't remember much about Otis that night.
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Post by Andy on Nov 2, 2003 21:05:16 GMT -5
HI CP: I don't think I heard the story about a blind man. I'm curious, and I appreciate your feedback. It was not easy to go into that story. After all, I'm a tough guy.
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Post by Andy on Nov 2, 2003 21:22:30 GMT -5
Hi Jody: First, I am proud of you. Second, I appreciate your reply. Third, I cannot even imagine David being rude to a fan. I have suggested several themes several times. One is that David's story should be told, maybe by Dennis.I would hope that story would help to end the rumors. Second, any David Ruffin performances should be preserved. Thanks again, I really appreciate it. AJA
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Post by Andy on Nov 2, 2003 21:29:03 GMT -5
Hi Common: I wasn't going to post that story until you prodded me. It was too personal and not something a guy would ever say to strangers. But you and all the others made me feel comfortable enough to say it. That says alot about you. Now, would you be kind enough to tell me about that picture of David which you posted? I've never seen it before. My Best, AJA
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Post by Andy on Nov 2, 2003 21:39:52 GMT -5
Hi der: I'm also proud of you. I appreciate your feedback. No doubt, David had a personality which dwarfted others around him. That is one reason I don't like Otis, although I got to admit, he has more talent than I have. The thing about Otis is this: how did he manage to kick David out? Otis must have really felt threatened and insecure. THat could explain his being stand offish with others.Or, as a good friend of mine once told me, Otis got the leftovers.
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Post by Andy on Nov 2, 2003 21:44:29 GMT -5
Hi Molly: I'm responding to you last on purpose. I had you in mind when I wrote the story, wondering if you would think badly of your dancing partner not being tall. A little more wine, and you won't even notice or even care. But I can dance better than Otis,any day of the week. Cross my heart...
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Post by Joda on Nov 2, 2003 22:24:53 GMT -5
:-*Oh Andy, I know this is for Marge, but I must say. In my book, you are 10 feet tall...Just right for any of us gals for dancing...I seem to remember someone singing BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP. Well, you are the most gorgeous man alive. :-) Now I will shut-up and let MY GIRL respond. This is her story...
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