Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley
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Name	Brad Paisley
Caption	Paisley performing in 2019
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Brad Douglas Paisley
Birth date	28 October 1972
Birth place	Glen Dale, West Virginia, U.S.
Genre	Country
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, guitarist
Instrument	Vocals, guitar
Years active	1999–present
Label	Arista Nashville
Associated acts	Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, LL Cool J
Website	bradpaisley.com

Brad Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist renowned for his virtuosic guitar work, clever songwriting, and traditionalist yet modern approach to the genre. Since his debut in 1999, he has become one of country music's most consistent hitmakers, selling over 11 million albums and earning numerous accolades from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. His career is marked by a blend of humorous novelty songs, poignant ballads, and instrumental prowess, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Nashville.

Early life and education

Brad Douglas Paisley was born in Glen Dale, West Virginia, and was introduced to country music by his grandfather, who gave him his first guitar. He began performing publicly at age eight, singing in church and later with a band called The C-Notes. His early talent was recognized by radio personality Doc Williams, who invited him to perform on his Wheeling, West Virginia-based show. Paisley attended John Marshall High School before moving to Nashville to study at Belmont University, where he majored in music business and wrote songs for ASCAP.

Musical career

After graduating, Paisley secured a songwriting deal with EMI Music Publishing and later signed as an artist with Arista Nashville. His debut album, Who Needs Pictures (1999), spawned the number-one singles "He Didn't Have to Be" and "We Danced," establishing him as a promising new voice. Subsequent albums like Part II (2001) and Mud on the Tires (2003) produced further chart-toppers including "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)" and "Celebrity." His critically acclaimed Time Well Wasted (2005) won the Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year. Paisley is known for high-concept projects, such as the instrumental album Play (2008) and collaborations with artists like Keith Urban on "Start a Band" and Carrie Underwood on "Remind Me." He has served as a longtime host of the CMA Awards and is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Artistry and influences

Paisley's artistry is defined by his technical mastery of the electric guitar, drawing clear influence from Chet Atkins, Albert Lee, and Vince Gill. His songwriting often employs a blend of traditional country themes with witty, observational humor, evident in hits like "Alcohol" and "Online." He is also noted for his poignant storytelling in songs such as "Whiskey Lullaby," a duet with Alison Krauss. While rooted in the Bakersfield sound and honky-tonk traditions, his production incorporates modern elements, and he has experimented with cross-genre collaborations, including the controversial but groundbreaking track "Accidental Racist" with LL Cool J. His guitar tone and melodic solos are considered a hallmark of contemporary country music.

Personal life

Paisley married actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley in 2003 after meeting her on the set of his music video for "I'm Gonna Miss Her." The couple has two sons and resides primarily in Franklin, Tennessee. He is an active philanthropist, supporting causes such as disaster relief through the American Red Cross and raising funds for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. An avid fan, he has donated significant memorabilia to the museum and is known for his involvement in charity events like the CMT Crossroads specials. Paisley also co-wrote a book with his wife, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Discography

* Who Needs Pictures (1999) * Part II (2001) * Mud on the Tires (2003) * Time Well Wasted (2005) * 5th Gear (2007) * Play (2008) * American Saturday Night (2009) * This Is Country Music (2011) * Wheelhouse (2013) * Moonshine in the Trunk (2014) * Love and War (2017) * American Highway (2021)

Awards and nominations

Throughout his career, Paisley has received 14 awards from the Academy of Country Music and 14 from the Country Music Association, including three consecutive CMA Entertainer of the Year wins from 2008 to 2010. He has earned three Grammy Awards from 19 nominations, winning for Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Throttleneck" and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "Killing the Blues" with John Jorgenson. Other notable honors include multiple CMT Music Awards, being named the Recording Industry Association of America's top-selling male country artist of 2008, and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.

Category:American country singers Category:American country guitarists Category:Grammy Award winners Category:People from Marshall County, West Virginia Category:Belmont University alumni