Today we’d like to introduce you to David Ruffin.
Hi David, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a teacher and performer. I have worked in the market over 30 years. After retiring from the classroom I have expanded my activities to do Pirate shows especially for children as well as historical character presentations. I have also done some film and television work in front of and behind the camera. My primary performance at this time is with Pair of Pirates, a trio, I get it but pirates were never that good at math, we have shows for young pirates and old salts alike and have performed all over the state. I’ve been a lyricist for some time but have recently become more poetical, joining the Fort Worth Poetry Society. The Oldest group in Texas. I will be joining other poets on October 30th at Grandma’s on Magnolia in Fort Worth for An Evening of Horror Poetry. It’s open to the public and we guarantee some spooky fun. The next month also at Grandma’s Pair of Pirates will be hosting Blackbeard’s Wake on the 22nd. It’s the anniversary of the death of Edward Teach and will have music, elaborate costumes and Rum. Heh, it’s a pirate party! When not performing, my lovely bride and I love to travel. Get me started and I’ll talk your ear off about Peru, Italy, Great Britain, the Cech Republic and Denmark. I think with five kids, nine grand kids and three great grandkids, I’m holding my own pretty well.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would never say it’s all been easy but friends, colleges and and raw luck have sure made it work. Finding the right partner has made a world of deference. I would definitely Not survived without my wife Sarah. She picks me up when I need it and also puts me in my place when I need that more. She a great travel buddy and loves learning as much as me, which is wonderful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So, I’ve been a professional pirate for over thirty years. Just like the pirates of old, it’s no way to get rich. With a degree in Theatrical Production, years on the stage and Certifications in all things historical and literary it’s no wonder I wound up a singing pirate. What was interesting was becoming a lyricist. It started by learning the art of filking a song. That’s writing a parody of an existing song. My first was a pirate version of Winter Wonderland. Many of the songs we do now in our children’s shows use familiar melodies but with funny pirate lyrics. But I have also created several original works with music supplied by several very talented musicians. Sometimes they are comical like “Overboard” and sometimes historical like “Blackbeard’s Last Battle” but always entertaining.
Now I’m expanding by writing more poetry. I will have a piece or two in “An Evening of horror Poetry” and we are working to turn some of our children’s songs into picture Books. My poetry still tends toward lyrical but working around several incredibly talented local poets is pushing me to keep learning.
I suppose the thing that sets me apart from some other retirees is that I may have left a job but I didn’t check out of life.
What does success mean to you?
At a recent show at North Park Center in Dallas, a show for Bookmarks, a lady and one of her little ones stopped me and said, “We always come to see you.” That is happiness. That is success.
Contact Info:
- Website: pairofpirates.com
- Instagram: David Ruffin 1951
- Facebook: Old Uncle Harvey
- LinkedIn: David Ruffin
Image Credits
Image #5 is by Allen Ent
Image #6 is screen shoot from Year 3 episode 11 of Queen of the South
