Jimmy Ruffin
Jimmy Ruffin passed away aged 78. Getty Images

Motown singer Jimmy Ruffin has died aged 78.

The singer who shot to fame with What Becomes of the Brokenhearted passed away in a hospital in Las Vegas, confirmed his children, Philicia Ruffin and Jimmy Lee Ruffin Jr.

Leading the tributes, the late singer's daughter Philicia said her father was, "a rare type of man who left his mark on the music industry."

Soon after the news surfaced, tributes started pouring in on Twitter on Wednesday (19 November).

What becomes of the broken hearted... Jimmy Ruffin RIP

— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) November 19, 2014

Goodbye mr jimmy ruffin. Another soul great leaves us!

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) November 19, 2014
Jimmy Ruffin
Jimmy Ruffin performing live on Top Of The Pops TV Show. Getty Images