Joe Hinton (November 15, 1929 – August 13, 1968) was an American soul and R&B singer from Evansville, Indiana, best known for his hit recording of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away.”

Early Career

Hinton began his musical career singing gospel, performing with groups including the Blair Gospel Singers, the Chosen Gospel Quartet and the Spirit of Memphis Quartet. His powerful high-tenor voice eventually attracted the attention of record producer Don Robey, who encouraged Hinton to move from gospel into secular R&B and soul music.

Hinton began recording for Robey’s Back Beat label and scored his first national chart success in 1963 with “You Know It Ain’t Right.” He followed it with “Better to Give Than Receive.”

Funny How Time Slips Away

Hinton’s biggest success came in 1964 with his soulful version of “Funny How Time Slips Away,” written by Willie Nelson.

The recording became a major crossover hit, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Cash Box R&B chart. The record sold more than one million copies and became Hinton’s signature song.

Hinton continued recording throughout the 1960s, with songs including “I Want a Little Girl” and “A Thousand Cups of Happiness.”

Death and Legacy

Hinton died in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 13, 1968, at just 38 years old.

Although his career was cut short, Hinton’s distinctive gospel-influenced voice and his recording of “Funny How Time Slips Away” earned him a lasting place in American soul music. He remains one of the most successful R&B and soul singers associated with Evansville.