"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted"

Back in the late 70's , I had bought an various artistes compilation album released by the EMI  on the their Stiff subsidiary . Among the tracks is one cover version of the GREAT Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" by Colin Blunstone and Dave Stewart. A lot of electronics sounds, haunting organs, hand claps and generally things that get one simmerly excited stuff. Of course there is the unforgettable voice of Colin's. I have been trying to get this song in a CD format but without success so far. I become a big fan of Jimmy Ruffin after listening to his "Farewell Is A Lonely Sound" right around the same time I started sembayang to Marvin Gaye.

This song went into the British Top 20 chart numerous times, Jimmy's own version went in at least 3 times over the years. Colin and Dave's version also made it . I think so far no other song has such stellar performance. So when if you are in UK next time and someone play this song, be sure you should sit upright and show your respect.

Just in case that you do not know:-

Colin Bluntsone was the lead singer of the Zombies who had  massive hits 

"Time Of The Season" and "She Is Not There". Handsome guy who I think has became the blue print of the record labels' creation of  boy bands later in the 80's. Great voice, no doubts.

Dave Stewart ? He was 1/2 and  the brain behind the Eurythmic (Annie Lennox was the voice and the other 1/2) Together they had many many great hits. Dave is also  a great song writer and producer who has been working with numerous stars (include Mick Jagger, Tom Petty etc)

 
Covers

    * The Supremes recorded a version shortly after Jimmy Ruffin recorded his hit single in 1966. Their version would not be used until it was released in 1969 on their album "Let The Sunshine In."
    * A 1974 instrumental cover by Andy MacKay, saxophone and oboe player of Roxy Music, on his album "In Search of Eddie Riff" on E.G. Records.
    * A 1981 cover by Dave Stewart on synth and vocals by Zombies singer Colin Blunstone on Stiff reached UK #13.
    * A 1988 cover by Russell Hitchcock in his self-titled album.
    * A 1988 cover by Ruby Turner featured original performer Jimmy Ruffin. The accompanying album, The Motown Song Book, has been long out of print. [2] [3]
    * A 1991 cover by Paul Young featured in the film Fried Green Tomatoes; this version reached #22 on the US pop chart and became Young's third #1 song on the US adult contemporary chart (following "Everytime You Go Away" and "Oh Girl").
    * It was also planned to be covered by Whitney Houston for the soundtrack to the 1992 film The Bodyguard, starring Houston and Kevin Costner. However, after Young's cover surfaced in Fried Green Tomatoes, the Dolly Parton song "I Will Always Love You" was selected in its place, becoming a record-breaking hit for Houston.
    * Two 1996 covers by Robson & Jerome, both a traditional version and one called soul version, on a UK#1 single.
    * A 1996 cover by Steve Harley on his album Poetic Justice.
    * RZA sampled the opening bass and drums on Ghostface Killah's "After the Smoke Is Clear" from the 1996 album Ironman
    * A 1998 cover by Joe Cocker.
    * In 1999, a cover was released by Vonda Shepard on the Heart and Soul: More Songs From Ally McBeal CD.
    * A 2000 cover by Irish group Westlife
    * A 2002 cover by The Funk Brothers and Joan Osbourne for the Funk Brothers documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown.
    * A 2005 cover by The dB's which was made downloadable for Hurricane Katrina relief
    * A 2007 cover by German Euro-pop band Blue Lagoon on their album Sentimental Fools.
    * Also covered by Boy George in 1988, as well as a radio jingle in the early '90s.
    * A cover from Ph.D., as frontman Jim Diamond cites Motown as an influence on his music.
    * The Zombies played it for the 2008 CD/DVD Oddessey & Oracle: 40th Anniversary Live Concert
    * The Gaslight Anthem worked the song in to the end of their set with their song "Angry Johnny And The Radio" on March 31, 2009 at The Agora Ballroom in Cleveland, OH
    * A 2009 cover by Rod Stewart on his newest album Soulbook.
    * A 2010 cover by Mitch Ryder on his new album Detroit Ain'T Dead Yet.
    * American Idol season 9 contestant Didi Benami covered on 3/30/10.