Trailer Choir
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Marc "Butter" Fortney, Vincent "Big Vinny" Hickerson, Crystal Hoyt |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Country music recordings |
Trailer Choir was a country music ensemble from the United States, featuring vocalists Marc "Butter" Fortney, Crystal Hoyt, and Vincent "Big Vinny" Hickerson. The group signed with Show Dog Nashville, Toby Keith's label, in 2007 and achieved recognition through singles such as "Off the Hillbilly Hook," "What Would You Say," "Rockin' the Beer Gut," and "Rollin' Through the Sunshine," all of which appeared on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Their discography includes the EP Off the Hillbilly Hook and the full-length album Tailgate. After Hoyt's departure in 2011, the duo took a hiatus in 2012, resumed touring in 2013, and ultimately ceased performing together by 2016.
Background
Trailer Choir originated in 2004 with founding members Marc Fortney (Butter), Vinny Hickerson (Big Vinny), and Crystal Hoyt. Initially, they performed cover songs at fraternity houses and clubs, focusing on original party anthems designed to energize their audiences. Hoyt became part of the group after spontaneously joining a performance in 2006 and remained until early 2011.
Soon after Hoyt joined, Toby Keith discovered the band during their appearance on "The Billy Block Show" at Nashville’s 12th & Porter venue. They secured a contract with Keith’s Show Dog Nashville label in June 2007 and quickly joined his Big Dog Daddy tour, performing extensively to expand their fan base.
Their first release under Show Dog was "Off the Hillbilly Hook," which featured on the soundtrack of Keith’s 2008 film Beer for My Horses. This track was issued as a single accompanied by a music video. A digital EP followed in November 2008.
In 2009, "What Would You Say" marked their initial entry into the country charts, reaching number 43. The physical EP Off the Hillbilly Hook, containing six tracks, was released on June 9. Their subsequent single, "Rockin' the Beer Gut," became their first Top 40 hit and featured a video with Wolf from American Gladiators. A holiday rendition of this song reappeared on the charts later that year. "Rollin' Through the Sunshine" peaked at number 50 early in 2010, preceding their debut album Tailgate. Additionally, they contributed to Trace Adkins’ album Cowboy's Back in Town.
Their track "Last Man Standing" was utilized for promotional campaigns related to the 2008 NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup as well as a high school football program titled "Rivalry Thursday."
On February 1, 2011, Crystal Hoyt exited the group to explore other opportunities. Later that year, Trailer Choir independently released the single "Love Me First" through their own Hollaville Records.
By September 2012, Hickerson revealed plans for a new project under his stage name Vinny Van-Zant and noted that Fortney had departed due to family obligations.
In July 2015, Fortney and Hickerson signed with Average Joes Entertainment and commenced work on a new album under that label.
Marc 'Butter' Fortney
Raised in Ashtabula, Ohio, Fortney was initially influenced by rock music. A pivotal moment occurred during high school when his performance of John Mellencamp’s "Small Town" received strong audience applause, prompting him to shift focus from baseball to music. He began songwriting after composing a piece for a friend’s funeral, recognizing songwriting as his career path.
Fortney’s affinity for country music grew while attending Middle Tennessee State University, where he performed at fraternity parties with The Butter Band—later renamed Trailer Choir following Hickerson’s addition. During this period, he held various jobs in Nashville and earned the nickname ‘Butter’ while interning at a record company due to his energetic demeanor.
On September 6, 2010, Fortney married Emily Robertson of Carter’s Chord; they met during tours with Toby Keith. The couple has two sons: Tug Ryder Fortney (born October 16, 2012) and Hutch Robertson Fortney (born March 17, 2015).
Vencent 'Big Vinny' Hickerson
Originating from the small Tennessee community of Linden, Vencent Van-Zant Hickerson developed a deep-rooted love for music, inspired by his late father who was a professional guitarist. Enduring a challenging upbringing with an abusive stepfather, Hickerson left home during his teenage years, managing to juggle academics, employment, and football. He earned the title of most valuable lineman twice in high school and became a Sonic Drive-In store manager by 19.
In 2002, Hickerson picked up the guitar and soon after began writing songs while maintaining long work hours and commuting to Nashville. By 2006, with financial support secured, he moved to Nashville and rented a studio adjacent to Fortney’s, which sparked their musical partnership.
After being hospitalized in 2011 due to type 2 diabetes and cellulitis, Hickerson participated in NBC's The Biggest Loser. He shed 184 pounds, reached the final four contestants, and finished as the runner-up for the at-home prize. During the show, he proposed to Lori Diaz at the Grand Ole Opry with a surprise performance by Thompson Square. They married in October 2012 but separated in May 2015.
Hickerson subsequently married Jenny, who holds certifications as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, is a third-degree black belt, a 2012 World Taekwondo Champion, and a bikini bodybuilding competitor. The couple welcomed their son in September 2017.
Following his appearance on The Biggest Loser, Hickerson has toured across the United States as a motivational speaker. His presentations primarily target audiences sharing similar backgrounds and emphasize themes of resilience and personal growth.
Crystal Hoyt
Crystal Hoyt wed Todd Bray on August 31, 2014. Their son, Ryman Marshall Bray, was born on March 31, 2015.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | US | ||
| Tailgate |
|
16 | 93 |
| That's How We Do It |
|
— | — |
Extended plays
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | US | US Heat | ||
| Off the Hillbilly Hook |
|
30 | 170 | 4 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Peak chart positions |
Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | US Bubbling | |||
| 2008 | "Off the Hillbilly Hook" | — | — | Off the Hillbilly Hook |
| 2009 | "What Would You Say" | 43 | — | |
| "Rockin' the Beer Gut" | 30 | 10 | ||
| 2010 | "Rollin' Through the Sunshine" | 50 | — | Tailgate |
| "Shakin' That Tailgate" | 50 | — | ||
| 2011 | "Love Me First" | — | — | That's How We Do It |
| 2016 | "Ice Cold Summer" | — | — | |
| 2018 | "Take It To The House" | — | — | |
Additional charted tracks
| Year | Single | Highest chart position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | |||
| 2009 | "Rockin' the Beer Gut (Holla Day Version)" | 51 | — |
Videos
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | "Off the Hillbilly Hook" | Michael Salomon |
| 2009 | "Rockin' the Beer Gut" | The Brads |
| "Rockin' the Beer Gut (Holla Day Version)" | Trailer Choir | |
| 2010 | "Rollin' Through the Sunshine" | Michael Salomon |
| 2016 | "Ice Cold Summer" |