Joe Hinton, born Joseph Hinton on 15 November 1929 in Evansville, Indiana, was an American singer known for his contributions to soul and R&B. His musical journey began as a member of the Chosen Gospel Quartet in Los Angeles. In 1957, he joined the Spirit of Memphis Quartet, with whom he recorded the gospel song "Lost in Sin". His distinctive tenor voice caught the attention of producer Don Robey at Peacock Records, who encouraged him to transition into secular music and signed him to the label's subsidiary, Backbeat Records. In 1958, he released his first pair of solo singles, "I Know" and "Ladder of Prayer". His breakthrough came in 1963 with the release of "You Know It Ain't Right", which reached number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 20 on the R&B charts. This success was followed by "Better to Give Than Receive" in 1964, which reached number 89 on the Hot 100. His most significant achievement was the release of "Funny", a country song that reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts in August 1964. He continued to light up the charts with "A Thousand Cups of Happiness" (number 19) and "I Want a Little Girl" (number 34). Joe Hinton passed away on 13 August 1968 at the age of 38 from skin cancer.
