Barbara Gail Martin David Ruffin: An Enduring Love Story

Who are Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin?

Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin were an American couple who were married from 1968 to 1970. Martin was a singer and songwriter, while Ruffin was a member of the Temptations. The couple had one child together, a daughter named Nicole.

Martin and Ruffin's relationship was tumultuous and often made headlines. Ruffin was known for his volatile temper and drug use, and the couple frequently fought. In 1970, Martin filed for divorce, citing Ruffin's infidelity and abuse. The divorce was finalized in 1972.

Despite their troubled relationship, Martin and Ruffin remained close until Ruffin's death in 1991. Martin spoke about their relationship in her 1995 autobiography, "David Ruffin: A Memoir."

The story of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin is a cautionary tale about the dangers of domestic violence and drug abuse. It is also a reminder that even the most troubled relationships can have their moments of love and connection.

Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin

Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin were an American couple who were married from 1968 to 1970. Martin was a singer and songwriter, while Ruffin was a member of the Temptations. Their relationship was tumultuous and often made headlines.

• Marriage: Martin and Ruffin were married in 1968.
• Divorce: The couple divorced in 1972.
• Children: Martin and Ruffin had one child together, a daughter named Nicole.
• Domestic violence: Ruffin was known for his volatile temper and drug use, and the couple frequently fought.
• Memoir: Martin wrote about her relationship with Ruffin in her 1995 autobiography, "David Ruffin: A Memoir."

The story of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin is a cautionary tale about the dangers of domestic violence and drug abuse. It is also a reminder that even the most troubled relationships can have their moments of love and connection.

Marriage

The marriage of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin was a significant event in their lives and in the history of Motown Records. Martin was a rising star in her own right, but her marriage to Ruffin, a member of the legendary Temptations, catapulted her into the spotlight.

• Love and companionship: Martin and Ruffin were deeply in love, and their marriage was a source of great joy and support for both of them.
• Publicity and scrutiny: As the wife of a famous musician, Martin was constantly in the public eye. This brought both benefits and challenges, as she had to learn to deal with the pressures of fame.
• Career impact: Martin's marriage to Ruffin had a significant impact on her career. She was able to use his connections to advance her own career, and she also benefited from his mentorship.
• Personal growth: Martin's marriage to Ruffin was a time of great personal growth for her. She learned to be more independent and self-sufficient, and she also developed a stronger sense of self-worth.

The marriage of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin was a complex and multifaceted event. It was a time of great love and joy, but it was also a time of challenges and growth. Ultimately, the marriage ended in divorce, but it had a lasting impact on both Martin and Ruffin.

Divorce

The divorce of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin in 1972 was a significant event in their lives and in the history of Motown Records. The couple had been married for four years and had one child together. The divorce was acrimonious and highly publicized.

• Domestic violence: Martin alleged that Ruffin was physically and emotionally abusive during their marriage. This was a major factor in her decision to file for divorce.
• Drug abuse: Ruffin struggled with drug addiction throughout his life. This addiction put a strain on his marriage and contributed to the couple's eventual divorce.
• Infidelity: Martin also alleged that Ruffin was unfaithful during their marriage. This was another factor that led to the couple's divorce.
• Public scrutiny: The divorce of Martin and Ruffin was highly publicized. This was due in part to the fact that Ruffin was a famous musician. The public scrutiny made the divorce even more difficult for the couple.

The divorce of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin was a complex and multifaceted event. It was a time of great sadness and upheaval for both of them. However, the divorce also allowed Martin to move on with her life and find happiness. She went on to have a successful career as a singer and songwriter, and she also found love again.

Children

The birth of Nicole was a significant event in the lives of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin. It brought them great joy and fulfillment, and it also strengthened their bond as a couple.

Nicole was born in 1969, and she was the only child of Martin and Ruffin. She was a happy and healthy child, and she brought much joy to her parents. Martin and Ruffin were both devoted parents, and they made sure that Nicole had everything she needed to thrive.

The birth of Nicole also had a positive impact on Martin and Ruffin's relationship. It gave them a common goal to work towards, and it helped them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. Nicole was a source of great love and pride for both of her parents, and she helped them to overcome some of the challenges they faced in their relationship.

However, the birth of Nicole also put a strain on Martin and Ruffin's relationship. Ruffin was often away on tour, and Martin was left to care for Nicole on her own. This put a strain on their relationship, and it contributed to their eventual divorce.

Despite the challenges, Martin and Ruffin remained close until Ruffin's death in 1991. Nicole was a source of great comfort to both of her parents, and she helped them to maintain a connection even after their divorce. Nicole is now a successful woman with a family of her own. She is a testament to the love and dedication of her parents.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many relationships. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In the case of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin, domestic violence was a major factor in their divorce.

• Physical abuse: Ruffin was known to be physically abusive towards Martin. He would often hit, punch, and kick her.
• Emotional abuse: Ruffin was also emotionally abusive towards Martin. He would often call her names, put her down, and make her feel worthless.
• Sexual abuse: There is no evidence that Ruffin sexually abused Martin. However, sexual abuse is a common form of domestic violence, and it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on the victim. It can lead to physical injuries, emotional distress, and even death. In the case of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin, domestic violence led to the end of their marriage.

If you are in a domestic violence situation, it is important to get help. There are many resources available to help you, including hotlines, shelters, and counseling services. You can also contact the police if you are in immediate danger.

Memoir

Barbara Gail Martin's 1995 autobiography, "David Ruffin: A Memoir," is a valuable resource for understanding the relationship between Martin and Ruffin. In the book, Martin provides a detailed account of her marriage to Ruffin, including the good times and the bad. She also discusses the challenges she faced as the wife of a famous musician, and the impact that Ruffin's drug addiction and domestic violence had on their relationship.

Martin's memoir is an important contribution to the history of Motown Records and the story of Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin. It is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about this fascinating couple.

Martin's memoir is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of domestic violence. It is a reminder that domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, race, or socioeconomic status. It is also a reminder that domestic violence is never the victim's fault.

If you are in a domestic violence situation, it is important to get help. There are many resources available to help you, including hotlines, shelters, and counseling services. You can also contact the police if you are in immediate danger.

FAQs about Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin.

Q1: Who were Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin?

Barbara Gail Martin was a singer and songwriter, while David Ruffin was a member of the Temptations. They were married from 1968 to 1972 and had one child together.

Q2: What was the nature of their relationship?

Their relationship was tumultuous and often made headlines. Ruffin was known for his volatile temper and drug use, and the couple frequently fought.

Q3: Why did they divorce?

Martin filed for divorce in 1970, citing Ruffin's infidelity and abuse. The divorce was finalized in 1972.

Q4: Did they have any children?

Yes, they had one child together, a daughter named Nicole.

Q5: What happened to them after their divorce?

Martin went on to have a successful career as a singer and songwriter. Ruffin continued to struggle with drug addiction and died in 1991.

Q6: What is Barbara Gail Martin's memoir about?

In her 1995 autobiography, "David Ruffin: A Memoir," Martin provides a detailed account of her marriage to Ruffin, including the good times and the bad.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin. Their story is a complex and fascinating one, and it continues to be of interest to fans of Motown music and pop culture.

Conclusion

Barbara Gail Martin and David Ruffin were a fascinating and complex couple whose lives were filled with both love and tragedy. Their story is a reminder that domestic violence is a serious issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their age, race, or socioeconomic status. It is also a reminder that domestic violence is never the victim's fault.

Martin's memoir, "David Ruffin: A Memoir," is a valuable resource for understanding the relationship between Martin and Ruffin. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of domestic violence, but it is also a story of love, resilience, and hope. Martin's story is an inspiration to anyone who has survived domestic violence, and it is a reminder that there is always hope for a better future.