Derwin Conrad Hinson, Sr., 67, of Nashville, passed away April 27, 2026 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
A master of stringed instruments, Derwin’s life was a beautiful testimony of talent, joy, and devotion. He began his musical journey at the age of nine, performing with his family’s gospel group in North Carolina, where they appeared on a weekly television program in Wilmington.
Derwin explained on the Mike Huckabee Show how he got started in music.
“At the early age of nine and a half, I decided I wanted to play the guitar. Dad gave me three chords and a smile. He said, ‘If you do anything other than what I tell you: boom, chuck, boom, chuck, I’ll take the guitar away.’ I knew he was serious so that’s what I did.”
From stage to television, Derwin’s musical talents led him to Nashville, where he performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with country legend Charlie Louvin. He later toured with Vern Gosdin, appearing on national television programs including Crook & Chase, Nashville Now, and Austin City Limits, and performed at Willie Nelson’s First Farm Aid. He took part in an occasional jam with Bill Monroe at the Bell Cove Club along with many other country and bluegrass greats.
When his father fell ill, Derwin left Nashville and returned to Wilmington to help his family while he continued to follow his musical passion and raise a family.
For nearly fifty years, Derwin faithfully shared his love of music by teaching and mentoring others, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and fellow musicians. He also traveled extensively, sharing his one-man-band music ministry, and bringing the joy of the Lord through music, humor, and heartfelt messages to churches and audiences across the region.
For over seventeen years, Derwin hosted a bluegrass jam every Thursday night at his home in Kure Beach, NC. A small gathering of friends picking in his garage quickly expanded to the front of his house, drawing vacationers and curious passersby, and becoming a cherished weekly tradition.
After the passing of his mother, Derwin and Alene returned to Nashville, where they continued their love of music through Backroads Grass, Branson on the Road, and as the duo, American DNA. They also served as Nashville tour guides with JoyRide.
Derwin worked as a professional Santa Claus, bringing joy and treasured memories to countless children and families. His warmth and spirit led to many special appearances, including with the Nashville Symphony, NBC’s Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry, the Mike Huckabee Show, and the lighting of the Tennessee State Christmas Tree at the Capitol.
Cathy Thompson Swindell shared about her lifelong relationship with Derwin.
“A dear friend of almost 60 years has gone to be with his friend and Savior, Jesus. We played bluegrass, gospel, and country music over the years, along with Tommy SImmons and my brother, Bill Thompson, on the Carolina Beach boardwalk, or in the back of a pick-up in a park in Wilmington.
He introduced me to my oldest and bestest friend, Kim Altman, in 1984 through music. He enticed me to move to Nashville in the late ’80s. He and his brother, Danny, were my family. He encouraged my songwriting and we cut three demo songs together along with Kim.
Such a loss to the world, but heaven’s gain. Til we meet again, Twiglet.”
Derwin was a devoted father, mentor, musical evangelist, and teacher. He loved the Lord, loved his family deeply, and dedicated his life to bringing joy to others through music, laughter, and love. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Alene; his five children, Derwin Conrad Hinson Jr. (Coralan), Joshua Hinson, Stephen Hinson (Brittany), Denae Hinson, and Ruth Weber (Jordan); his brother, Danny Hinson (Debbie); his sister, Ramona Canady (Joey); and four cherished grandchildren.
Two Celebration of Life services will be held in honor of Derwin’s life and legacy: one in Nashville, TN and one in Kure Beach, NC. The Nashville Celebration of Life will be held at The Station Inn on Thursday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. The Kure Beach Celebration of Life will be held at Kure Beach First Baptist Church on Friday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m.
In honor of Derwin’s vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear one of his favorites: the color red, Hawaiian shirts, or western wear. Above all, Derwin would want his life story to point others to Jesus Christ. He would lovingly encourage every heart to turn to Jesus, trust Him as Savior, and receive the gift of eternal life: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
His family would also like to honor Derwin’s journey by encouraging awareness of esophageal cancer. This disease is often discovered in later stages because symptoms may not appear until it has advanced. Long-standing acid reflux or GERD can be a significant risk factor for some forms of esophageal cancer. If you have a history of frequent heartburn, reflux, trouble swallowing, or ongoing digestive symptoms, please seek medical attention.
Derwin would want others to learn from his experience and seek help early because early detection can save lives.
R.I.P., Derwin Hinson.
