Brad Paisley took country music by storm when he made his debut in 1999. That same year, he made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and had his first No. 1 hit. Soon enough, Paisley was earning recognition, winning awards from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music.
Today, he is one of the genre’s biggest stars, who has sent singles in a row to the top of the chart, sold over 11 million albums, and has three Grammy Awards under his belt. He has also earned the genre’s crowning achievement, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
But we all know there’s more to Paisley being a popular country and rock singer, along with the infinite amount of energy and killer guitar-playing skills he pulled whenever he’s on stage. So, we’re giving you some facts about Paisley that you might not know yet.
1. He’s a native of Glen Dale, West Virginia.
Brad Paisley, whose real name is Bradley Douglas Paisley, was born on October 28, 1972, as an only child. His father worked for the West Virginia Department of Transportation while his mother was a teacher.
2. His passion for music began at a young age.
Paisley’s love for country music is rooted in his grandfather, who gave him his first guitar and taught him how to play the instrument when he was only eight.
By the age of 12, Paisley was already singing in church during civic meetings. He also played in his first band and started writing his own songs. More interestingly, he never had to ask for a gig in Glen Dale. Paisley remembered performing at almost every event in his small town.
3. He performed at hospitals and nursing homes.
Performing at hospices became a usual activity for Paisley growing up, using music as his sense of purpose to give back.
In one interview, Paisley recalled a life-changing moment during a visit to a local hospital in his hometown, wherein one of the patients with limited speech started singing with then-eight-year-old Paisley. It was that very moment that helped set him on his path to music.
4. His tour bus is modeled after a 1960 Corvette.
Paisley definitely prefers to tour in style! His tour bus was actually custom-made to resemble a 1960 Corvette, which he designed himself. The bus appeared sleek with red, white, and silver markings. The theme extends to its interior, which is patterned to a high-end garage with a checkerboard theme. “When the bus opens up, it feels like you’re in Jay Leno’s garage,” Paisley said.
The Corvette has always been Paisley’s dream car since he was young. Once he hit country superstardom, he made sure to purchase a 1999 Corvette.
5. He once dated country singer Chely Wright.
Paisley and Wright dated in 2000 and were one of country music’s power couples. However, it ended swiftly that fans never even had the chance to get used to the fact that the singers are an item.
While the two have never spoken about this doomed romance, Chely Wright came out as gay in 2010. In Wright’s autobiography, she expressed regret for how she mistreated Paisley and was hoping he could forgive her.
6. He won over his wife in an interesting way.
Paisley met actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley when he hired her to star in his music video for the song “Who Needs Pictures” – with the hopes of getting a chance to take her on a date.
Well, the country singer absolutely succeeded as he married Kimberly in 2003.
7. He’s a father of two boys.
Paisley and Kimberly were blessed with two sons, Huck and Jasper. In 2021, Paisley’s parenting skills were recognized when he was chosen to be one of the Father of the Year honorees at the 79th annual Father of the Year awards.
8. He opened a free grocery store.
In 2018, Paisley and his wife announced the opening of a free grocery store in Nashville, called The Store. Paisley hopes this store will help people who are in need to get food to survive and families that are struggling to make ends meet.
9. He runs a publishing company.
In 1999, Paisley built the independent music publishing company called Sea Gayle Music, together with songwriters Chris Dubois and Frank Rogers.
The publishing company was successful enough that it was named ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year in 2010 and 2011.
10. He doesn’t drink any alcohol.
This might come as a surprise to many fans since some of Brad Paisley songs have notable mentions of alcoholic drinks, but the country star is actually not fond of booze. And no, Paisley has never had an addiction; he just doesn’t care to drink.
11. His perfect day is spending time with his family.
While Paisley performs on different prestigious stages and appears in various popular shows, his idea of a good time remains definitely down-home – such as a barbecue take-out with his family, followed by a bike ride with his sons.
Truly, learning these facts about Brad Paisley makes us love the country superstar even more.
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