Trailer Choir

The Nashville-based trio Trailer Choir makes plain its devotion to good times, finer whiskey, and peak American nightlife through song titles such as "Rockin' the Beer Gut" and "In My Next Five Beers." Crystal, Butter, and the 400-pound Vinny—who famously performs the worm mid-concert—first formed the group as a cover act whose sets ranged from the barroom staple "Friends in Low Places" to the disco classic "I Will Survive." Once original material entered the repertoire, crowds steadily expanded. Country star Toby Keith, drawn to the playful numbers and high-energy performances, approached the band one evening and later arranged a 2007 spring showcase for his Show Dog Nashville imprint that concluded with a recording contract. Citing Garth Brooks, Tammy Wynette, Oprah, Elvis, and the Sonic drive-in chain among their influences, the members then tracked their debut album under Keith’s production. The lead single “Off the Hillbilly Hook” surfaced in spring 2008 and also named a six-song EP released the following year; the full-length Tailgate finally arrived in summer 2010.