Michael Ruff: The Soulful Journey of a Jazz and R&B Craftsman

Michael Ruff is an American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist whose sophisticated blend of jazz, R&B, and pop has resonated with audiences and fellow musicians for decades. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, his career pinnacle includes writing and producing the Top 10 hit "Turn This Love Around" for major artist Al Jarreau.

Early career

Born in 1952, Michael Ruff's musical foundation was built in the rich cultural cradle of New Orleans. His professional journey began in earnest in the 1970s when he joined the band of rock singer Delaney Bramlett, which led to his first major label signing with A&M Records.

His self-titled debut album, Michael Ruff, was released in 1979, showcasing his smooth vocal style and skilled piano work. This early period established him as a versatile session player and a promising solo artist with a distinct melodic sense.

Breakthrough

Ruff's breakthrough as a songwriter arrived in 1985 with Al Jarreau's album High Crime. The track "Turn This Love Around," written and produced by Ruff, became a significant hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number ten on the R&B chart.

This success solidified his reputation within the industry as a talented songwriter and producer beyond his own recordings. It opened doors to high-profile collaborations and sustained his career through the 1980s and beyond.

Key tracks

Turn This Love Around — This Al Jarreau hit, written and produced by Ruff, stands as his most commercially successful composition.

Everybody Here Is Crazy — A standout track from his 1982 album Speaking in Melodies, it exemplifies his knack for catchy, jazz-inflected pop songwriting.

Words of Wisdom — This song highlights Ruff's soulful vocal delivery and thoughtful lyrical approach, central to his solo artist identity.

Thunder and Lightning — A later career track showcasing his enduring skill at crafting smooth, contemporary R&B grooves.

Following his songwriting success, Michael Ruff continued to release solo albums, including 1992's In the Still of the Night. He maintained a steady career as a collaborator, working with artists like The Rippingtons, Brenda Russell, and Seawind.

His deep musicianship has kept him active in studio sessions and live performances, particularly within the contemporary jazz and R&B circuits. Ruff's body of work is defined by melodic integrity and a seamless fusion of his diverse musical roots.

Fans of Michael Ruff's polished, soulful sound also appreciate the work of David Benoit for his similar fusion of jazz and pop piano. Brenda Russell shares his sophisticated songwriting and vocal warmth. The smooth jazz instrumentation of The Rippingtons, with whom he collaborated, is another natural fit. Listeners might also enjoy Al Jarreau, the legendary vocalist who brought Ruff's biggest hit to life.

The music of Michael Ruff maintains a steady presence on various radio formats, including smooth jazz stations, classic R&B channels, and adult contemporary radio streams. His timeless tracks fit perfectly into playlists designed for sophisticated, melodic listening.

You can hear the soulful jazz and R&B of Michael Ruff on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his key tracks and musical legacy through our curated selection of online radio stations.