Charted at #22 on Billboard Hot 100 in November 1961, ‘Jimmy Elledge’s recording of Willie Nelson’, ‘Ain’t it Funny (how time slips away), was his only hot 100 charting single. In 1961, this Willie Nelson penned song also charted at #23 on the Country chart for Billy Walker. It’s become a classic and has charted many more times over the years for others.
Jimmy Elledge, who was a country singer but had more success on the pop charts, passed away last Sunday (June 10) at the age of 69. Details of his passing are sketchy but, according to Willie Nelson’s website, he passed from complications of a stroke. The following was posted on the site:
Willienelson.com just received word that singer Jimmy Elledge has passed away after complications following a stroke. He had a huge hit in the 60′s with the song Funny How Time Slips Away. Here’s a link to hear his version of the Willie Nelson classic. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and many fans.
Elledge got his start in music in his home state of Mississippi’s Future Farmers of America Hillbilly Band; however, Jimmy specialized in the rock songs, often playing Jerry Lee Lewis numbers.
At the age of 18, Elledge sent a demo tape to Chet Atkins and was signed to RCA. His first single, a cover of the Willie Nelson penned Funny How Time Slips Away, went to number 22 on the pop charts (although it didn’t make the country top forty) in early 1962 and earned him a gold record.
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