David Ruffin – My Whole World Ended (1969) —White Label Promo/DJ Copy

$

60

An incredibly rare, piece of soul music history: a genuine original 1969 US White Label Promotional pressing of David Ruffin’s solo debut masterpiece, My Whole World Ended. Distributed strictly to select AM/FM radio stations more than 50 years ago, this record was completely excluded from retail storefront lines. Finding any early Motown white-label album promo is an uncommon challenge—but verifying the absolute first-press "-1" matrix runouts makes this an elite, investment-grade acquisition for serious collectors. 
Following his tumultuous, legendary departure as the definitive lead voice of The Temptations in 1968, Ruffin stepped into the studio to craft a solo statement. Released in May 1969, My Whole World Ended became a triumph. Backed by the legendary Funk Brothers rhythm section and helmed by elite Motown house producers like Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol, the title track shot straight into the Billboard Top 10. 
What sets this specific copy apart for audiophiles is its RCA Rockaway contract pressing pedigree. Because Motown's own plants couldn't keep up with massive distribution demands, they contracted RCA to press an elite initial batch using pristine, first-generation master lacquers. The stamped X4RS-1 / X4RS-1 deadwax lines mean you are getting the cleanest analog dynamics possible. The soundstage is incredibly wide, providing deep, uncompressed low-end bass lines and allowing Ruffin’s raw, raspy, and emotional falsetto vocals to sit perfectly upfront without distortion.
• Artist: David Ruffin (Former Lead Singer of The Temptations)  • Title: My Whole World Ended (Solo Debut Album)  • Label: Motown Records (US Promotional Pressing) • Catalog Number: MS-685-DJ  • Format: 12" Vinyl LP (Promo, Stereo)  • Release Year: May 1969  • Label Variant: Original White Label Promotional Copy ("Audition Copy - Not For Sale") • Pressing Plant Distinction: RCA Records Pressing Plant, Rockaway (Contract Press)  • Deadwax / Matrix Identifiers: o Side A: X4RS-2731-1 / HS-15062-2 / MS685 o Side B: X4RS-2732-1 / HS-1597-3 / MS-685
Condition Grading:
Vinyl Condition: Near Mint (NM). The white promo labels are clean with no writing or spindle marks. The vinyl retains its brilliant original factory luster.
Jacket Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+). Solid, thick cardboard sleeve featuring the DJ Copy-Not For Sale stamp. Structurally sound with crisp edges, minor shelf wear at the corners, no seam splits, no cut-out holes. Original inner sleeve included.