Middle Tennessee’s Native Vencent Hickerson roots run deep in the Music City, as a second generation in Nashville’s music scene Hickerson was raised up looking up to his father’s legacy of music. Hickerson’s heritage runs strong in his genes as he has followed the footsteps of his father, his mentor being a phenomenal guitar player , who graced the stage as a touring musician for legends such as Loretta Lynn, Steve Miller Band, Alan Jackson, David Allen Coe and many more. With that inspiration, Hickerson took it to heart and set his sights on Nashville that set the stage for his career ahead. After playing every stage possible in Nashville, the singer-songwriter garnered himself a publishing deal and next would become the next stage that would change his life- to be signed to a major record company. Hickerson became one half of the band The Trailer Choir which later became signed to Toby Keith’s record label and was quickly nicknamed “Bigg Vinny” because he weighed in at astounding 426 lbs. The nickname stuck but not his trademark weight!
After a near death experience due to his obese weight, the country singer was chosen as a contestant on Season 12 of “ NBC’s The Biggest Loser.” The once obese man from Middle Tennessee shed the fat to become the svelte 242 lbs. Vinny’s voice now echoes far beyond the realms of music, reaching hearts as a motivational speaker and advocate for health and fitness. His very existence has become a living testament to the power of determination. Now, he is taking 2025 by storm with his anticipated single “Walmart Drip” which premiered on Wide Open Country, ahead of his appearance at this year’s CMA Fest. He will also be releasing an official video for the song on June 11th, starring N’SYNC’s Chris Kilpatrick, viral TikTok star-turned country favorite Tayler Holder, influencer Brad Lea, and former NFL linebacker Miles Burris.
On the new single, Vinny describes “Walmart Drip” as “what would happen if Toby Keith took Bruno Mars and Snoop Dogg on a Walmart Shopping spree!”
He continues, “This song came from a day of shopping at Walmart with my wife and kids. She said she just needed to get one thing which meant $500… When I was in there I saw a glorious swim suit set with a beach view and palm trees printed on it. I immediately put it on when we got home, I looked at my wife and said ‘dang girl look at all this DRIP!’ She told me to go inside and write the song right then! I brought in my songwriting mentor Ken Harrell and my wife Jenny Goforth Hickerson as songwriters to make sure we hit all the amazing parts of Walmart! Now we have a hit song and the music video features my buddies: Chris Kirkpatrick (from NSYNC), Miles Burris (leading actor in the Disney movie Safety and former Raiders linebacker, Tayler Holder (fellow artist and influencer with over 30 million followers) Marc ‘Butter’ Fortney (my former Duo partner, and the legendary Moon Trull) I’m also proud to feature my Mentor Ken Harrell, my wife and kids as well as Miles’ wife and kids in the video too.”
Outside of entertainment, Vinny founded Music with a Mission, a non-profit organization that strives to raise awareness of the vital role music programs play in schools. His creative spirit continues to soar as he pens melodies for renowned artists like Canaan Smith, Montgomery Gentry, and the band Hinder, just to name a few. Vinny’s creativity knows no bounds, together with his bandmate Marc “Butter” Fortney, crafted a poignant song which turned into a children’s book titled “The Bully,” spreading a message of compassion and kindness. to the youngest of readers.
Recently Vinny entered the podcast realm providing a relatable voice for those seeking guidance, motivation, and a good dose of laughter along the way as a co-host on “The Refined Life Podcast” alongside friends Jared Blake and Jeff Suter. Vinny’s also taken a leap into the business world, as an investor in The Buffalo River Resort. Creating a place for others to experience the joy of nature and relaxation. Currently, you can find Vinny gracing the stage, captivating audiences with his magnetic performance in the new Shriners Nashville Variety Show or traveling the country speaking, singing, and playing shows, touring with the Nashville Cartel. Vinny has taken his experiences and turned them into a powerful message that resonates with people from all walks of life. He continues to inspire others to embrace life’s challenges head-on, with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Bigg Vinny has announced several shows throughout the spring and summer (see below), and will be continuing to release songs that will strike a relatable chord in fans throughout the remainder of 2025.
For More Information on Bigg Vinny
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/biggvinnyofficial/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/biggvinnyofficial/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BIGGVINNYOFFICIAL
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kSPv521YxTK9nWjEWd6kE?si=-HfyAiLCQnqRhmStOrRrNQ&nd=1
Upcoming Shows:
June 3rd Craig Campbell cornhole tournament
June 4-5 2:30-9:30pm Hosting Honkey Tonk Hangout for Kabota
Signing at the Nashville Universe booth June 6th at noon
Friday night 6/6/25 Nashville Universe show 7-10pm, Hosted by Bigg Vinny
Saturday June 7 BCAM show 11am-12pm
Saturday June 7th Pete and Terry’s at Bridgestone Arena
Saturday June 7 4:30-5pm signing at the Shenandoah booth
June 27- Salute to heroes Salina Kansas
July 4th- RIO in Las Vegas, NV with MATT FARRIS for The Cowboy Lifestyle Network
July 10,11,12 – Shiners, Nashville, TN
July 18-19- Redwood County Fair, Redwood County Minnesota with Tyler Farr, Love and Theft, Trailer Choir and Danielle Peck
August 30-31-French Lick Indiana Bledsoe Farms Party at Patoka With Montgomery Gentry and Kidd G
September 26-27 Hasting Farmfest, Springfield, OH