With 24 Number 1 songs, Brad Paisley is one of the country’s most prolific and honored singer-songwriters. He’s incredibly gifted, he’s philanthropic and he’s still going strong today.
The mega-talented and iconic Brad Paisley was born on Oct. 28, 1972 in Glen Dale, West Virginia to loving and adoring parents. He had a wonderful childhood and at a mere eight years old, his grandfather, Warren Jarvis, who was a huge influence in his life, bought him a Danelectro Silvertone guitar from the Sears catalog and taught him how to play. He also introduced Brad to country music and soon, while still in elementary school, Brad was singing in church and at gigs around town.
The youngster showed great talent, and at age 12 Brad’s principal arranged for him to perform at a Rotary Club meeting. The performance caught the ear of Tom Miller who worked at a radio station in Wheeling, West Virginia, and arranged for Brad to appear on Jamboree USA. Brad sang a Christmas song he wrote, Born on Christmas Day and, as they say, “a star was born”. Paisley’s performance was incredibly well-received and he became a regular on the show, opening for a number of renowned country singers. He was the youngest person ever to be inducted into the Jamboree USA Hall of Fame.
Paisley attended college and in 1995 graduated from Belmont University in Nashville. In 1999 he released his debut record, Who Needs Pictures, which sold over a million copies. His musical acumen, charm, love of country music, along with his proficiency with a guitar, made him a sought-after performer. He made dozens of appearances at country music’s famed Grand Ole Opry. and in 2001, his dream came true when he became a member of the Opry.
He’s a distinguished singer and songwriter but he’s also known for his wit; his hit single I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song) is a testament to Paisley’s reputation as a clever and ingenious lyricist. Not only is the song a humorous take on a girlfriend’s ultimatum, saying “it’s either fishing or me,” but it’s also where he met his wife, the actress Kimberly Williams. Numerous songs throughout his career further enhanced his status in this genre, including Celebrity, Ticks and Alcohol.
He’s one of country music’s most prolific songwriters and performers. A fan favorite, he is often on tour, not just in this country but throughout the world. In his 2022 tour, he has thrilled thousands of fans throughout Europe and embarked on his first tour of Australia.
He returns to the Encore Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas in November. Earlier this year he helped Wynn re-open the 1,200-seat theater after COVID, and did two acoustic performances — just him and his guitar. Both Paisley and his audience loved it, including the woman who was returning to her seat with a snack and drink. According to People Magazine, he stopped the show, asked her what she had and if she was going back for more food. She said yes and then he requested a beer, which her husband brought up to the stage. It’s that genuine connection with fans that makes him special.
The accomplished and vastly talented Brad Paisley has written most of his own hits, including 21 of his 24 Number 1 hits. In 2008 he had 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay number one singles. Always the consummate showman, Paisley has won three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and a host of other honors, including in 2010 being named CMT’s Entertainer of the Year.
His on-air collaboration with NFL superstar Peyton Manning in Nationwide ad campaigns has further endeared him to throngs of fans. This dynamic duo posted a duet video with Paisley on the guitar and Manning on the xylophone. Watch for more collaborative efforts and more enchanting ads on television and online from these two superstars.
In 2015, the global superstar partnered with Boot Barn® to develop Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley, a line of jeans, hats, T-shirts, jewelry, belts and woven shirts. Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, have two sons. Partnering with Belmont University, the couple co-founded The Store, a free-referral based nonprofit grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. For more information, visit www.thestore.org.
Brad Paisley is a distinguished actor, singer, songwriter and a philanthropist. He will be performing at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas for two nights, Nov. 4 and 5. The concert will be filled with his hits including Waitin’ on a Woman, Then, Whiskey Lullaby, Then, Online, She’s Everything and more. Rush to purchase tickets; Paisley concerts always sellout. For more information on Encore Theater and to purchase tickets to these two performances, visit www.wynnlasvegas.com
