What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted is the title of a song first recorded and released by American vocalist Jimmy Ruffin in 1966. The song essentially deals with the struggle to overcome sadness while seeking a new relationship after a breakup. Ruffin's single reached no.8 in the UK in the final chart of the year.

A 1974 re-release of the same recording reached no.4 in the UK in the summer of that year, giving Ruffin his highest UK chart placing.

Cover versions
The song has been covered several times by various artists over the years. Some of the most notable are:


 * Dave Stewart and Colin Blunstone (1980) - this 'synth-pop' version reached no.13 in the UK in 1981.
 * Boy George (1988) - features on the artist's second studio album Tense Nervous Headache which was withdrawn from sale in the UK.
 * Paul Young (1991) - featured in the film Fried Green Tomatoes, and on the film's OST album. Produced by Arthur Baker, it was released as a single in the US & Canada only. The track features on the 2003 compilation The Essential Paul Young.
 * Robson & Jerome (1996) - single release b/w Saturday Night At The Movies & You'll Never Walk Alone. Their version reached no.1 in the UK, becoming the 19th biggest single of the year. It features on the duo's album Take Two (1996).
 * Westlife (2000) - B-side to the group's single What Makes a Man (no.2 at Christmas 2000)