Brad Paisley (born October 28, 1972) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He was born in the Mid Ohio Valley town of Glen Dale, West Virginia. His maternal grandfather gave Brad his first guitar at age 8 and taught him how to play. At the age of 12, Brad wrote his first song and by 13 was the opening act for other major country singers like Ricky Skaggs and George Jones.

Brad once asked his grandfather, "What kind of music do you like", to which his beloved grandfather replied, "I like country." "Then I like country, too!" Brad agreed.

While attending Belmont University from 1993 to 1995), Brad met Frank Rogers, a fellow student who went on to serving as Brad's producer. Brad also met Kelley Wallace, who is his songwriting partner.

After graduating, Brad signed a songwriting contract with EMI Music Publishing. His debut as a singer was with the label Arista Nashville. The song was "Who Needs Pictures" (released February 22, 1999). His first number one hit was "He Didn't Have To Be".

In 2000, Brad won the Country Music Association's (CMA) Horizon Award and the Academy of Country Music's best new male vocalist trophy. He received his first Grammy Award nomination a year later. In 2002, he won the CMA Music Video of the Year for "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)". He made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry on May 28, 1999, and after 40 appearances, was inducted into the Opry on February 17, 2001.

Brad released his third album, Mud on the Tires (2003), following Who Needs Pictures and Part II. The new album features the hit song "Celebrity", which parodies "Reality Shows" such as Fear Factor and famous people such as Jason Alexander (who is also featured in the music video).

Brad is married to actress Kimberly Williams. They live in Franklin, Tennessee.

Resources

• "Brad Paisley Bio/Factfile/Discography." Arista Records. Retrieved Aug. 18, 2004.