Vinnie Hines
THE OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE OF VINNIE HINES
SINGER/SONGWRITER - STORYTELLER - ENTREPRENEUR
Vinnie Hines is an American performer, music entrepreneur, and (former) coach who has played more than 2,000 live shows across more than dozen countries, building a career rooted in acoustic looping, groove-driven rhythm, and storytelling he calls “Rock & Soul.” His work blends performance, humor, and connection—designed to meet people where they are and leave them lighter than before.
Raised in Central Illinois, Vinnie’s musical foundation was formed early. Classic Rock poured through long country drives—Foreigner, Styx, Steve Miller Band, Bon Jovi—often amplified by his dad’s weekend karaoke setup. At home, that sound was balanced by soul and R&B staples like Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Michael McDonald, The Temptations, and Ray Charles. In high school, his taste expanded to Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, Foo Fighters, Bill Withers, The Beatles, and Arctic Monkeys. By college, while learning guitar and performing hundreds of cover songs, those influences began to merge into a style that felt natural, flexible, and groove-forward—eventually becoming Rock & Soul.
Vinnie’s journey carried him from busking on the streets of St. Louis to international stages, including contracts aboard Carnival Cruise Line, extended stretches living and working in Memphis, New York, and Chicago, earning a Golden Ticket on American Idol XV. Along the way, he didn’t just perform— he learned the business from the inside out.
Over the years, Vinnie has coached artists, led bands, managed logistics, negotiated contracts, advanced shows, handled production, and built systems behind the scenes. In 2023, he sold his ownership stake in Artist Collective, choosing to step away from collaborative consulting to pursue fully aligned, solo entrepreneurial ventures.
In 2025, that mindset led him back to his roots with the purchase of Spirito’s Italian Grocery in Collinsville, Illinois—transforming a legacy neighborhood business into a disciplined, brand-driven operation focused on systems, margins, and community. The move cemented his transition from artist-for-hire to owner-operator.
In 2026, Vinnie expanded his footprint in music once again by co-founding Grand Central Music Rentals in St. Petersburg, Florida, alongside his partner and longtime DJ colleague Chrystalline Gold. Together, they built a hub for live music, DJs, events, production, and private experiences—serving artists and clients with the same standards Vinnie developed over two decades onstage and behind the curtain.
At this point, there isn’t a role in the music industry Vinnie hasn’t held—performer, bandleader, sideman, coach, booking agent, production lead, operator, owner. That breadth now informs his next chapter: writing and releasing new music shaped by lived experience, hard lessons, and intentional choice.
The goal is simple: to live a soulful life that inspires creativity and love. Vinnie intends to do this through musical events, delicious food and original music. Join us!