Brad Paisley is one of the most successful performers in Nashville alongside other big names like Blake Shelton, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and Keith Urban. After 11 studio albums, 19 number one singles, 32 top 10 singles on the US Billboard Country Airplay charts and a record for the most consecutive singles to reach the top of the charts, he's one impressive guy.
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Here are some things you might not have known about the country singer.
1. He got his love of country music from his grandfather
Brad Douglas Paisley grew up an only child in Glen Dale, West Virginia. His grandfather gave him his first guitar when he was just eight years old and taught him how to play, instilling in him an early love and appreciation for country music. He started performing at church and at special events around town and really never stopped!
2. He wrote his first song when he was just a kid
When he was just 13, Paisley started writing his own songs. His first song, "Born on Christmas Day," was later included on his album Brad Paisley Christmas.
3. He got his degree in Music Business
After graduating from high school, Paisley spent a couple of years at West Liberty State College in his home state before earning a fully paid scholarship to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where he majored in Music Business.
4. He kicked off his music career as a songwriter
After graduation, Paisley secured a gig as a songwriter with EMI Music Publishing and kicked off his career writing songs for David Kersh and David Ball. The future star signed his first contract as a vocalist with Arista Nashville and his debut single, "Who Needs Pictures," was released in 1999. That same year, Paisley performed at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time and his career as a country music singer was off to the races.
5. He has a pretty hefty net worth
Over 20 years since his debut, Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Paisley has a net worth of $95 million. This really isn't surprising when you look at everything he's accomplished throughout his career. The country music star has been nominated for numerous awards over the years. He's taken home 3 Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year) and two American Music Awards. He's also performed at numerous music festivals and headlined 15 major tours.
Read More: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley Sing 'Whiskey Lullaby' on the Opry
6. His wife is pretty famous too
Outside of his music career, Paisley was tied to fellow country singer Chely Wright before he hit it off with a Hollywood star. After two years of dating, Paisley married Father of the Bride actress Kimberly Williams Paisley in 2003. They have two sons together, William Huckleberry and Jasper Warren.
7. He's proven to have a knack for television
The country superstar co-hosted the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood from 2008 to 2018 (before Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire stepped in) and has made numerous television appearances over the years -- Americas Got Talent, South Park, According to Jim, Nashville, The Voice, American Idol and more.
8. He uses his road band in the studio
This is actually a pretty big deal and isn't done very often in Nashville. In an interview with Premier Guitar, Paisley explains that he pretty much had to beg for this to happen:
"When I got my record deal, I kind of got on my knees and begged them to let me use my band, and they agreed. They said, 'Cut four tracks and see how they come out and we'll go from there.' I knew my guys could do it. Fortunately, those four tracks were all hits, so I have been using my road band ever since. I'm very, very lucky; I get to do what I want, which is a rare thing."
9. He tried to make a show about Nashville
Not to be confused with the hit TV series Nashville which his wife appeared on. In 2009, he was the executive producer of a CW pilot called Nashville but unfortunately, it wasn't picked up by the network the following spring. Had it been picked up, it would have been overseen by One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn.
10. He's a big sports guy
Paisley is a passionate fan of the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Dodgers. He even watches games with his good friend, Star Trek actor William Shatner. Quite an interesting pairing.
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