Brad Paisley: W.Va. Boy Turned Country Music Star
Written by Jason Keeling on November 8, 2007
Last night West Virginia native Brad Paisley rocked the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tenn., playing before a live television audience and later receiving two CMAs for Music Video of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
Paisley performed his song “Online,” which won best video for its humorous depiction of a nerdy guy who finds his coolness on the Internet. The video was directed by comedian Jason Alexander, best known for his role as George Costanza on the “Seinfeld” NBC series.
The evening highlight for Paisley was the Male Vocalist of the Year award, in which he beat out a lineup of stars including George Straight and Kenny Chesney. “It’s unbelievable to me,” he professed to the crowd, thanking fans, associates, and his father, “who carried speakers and ran sound, even though he didn’t know what he was doing.”
W.Va. Roots and Custom Guitars
Paisley recently traveled back to John Marshall High School to shoot an upcoming video for “Letter to Me,” a song about the pain and joys of high school. “It didn’t feel right to do this anywhere else,” he told Sinclair Broadcasting’s Deborah Linz, adding that during those days he was shy, but a teacher named “Mrs. Brinkman” helped him overcome stage fright.
Though influenced by traditional country artists such as George Jones and Merle Haggard, much of Paisley’s music is distinguished by his astounding talents as an electric guitarist. During the 2006 CMA Awards, he performed using a custom made Crook Telecaster, which included an elaborate paisley design and West Virginia University’s “Flying WV” logo.
The “Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour” makes a stop in Charleston on Nov. 30, and the city is sure to be abuzz when this West Virginia boy ventures back to the state. Paisley’s music and likability are helping to make aBetterWestVirginia, as he continues to be a positive representation of the state. What are your thoughts on Brad as a person and artist?
Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia
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November 13th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I’m not much of a country music fan, although I like a lot of it… I just don’t follow it much. But my oldest son is getting to the age that he is starting to like music and wants to buy it, so I’ve been researching the lyrics and artists he likes. I am very glad that Brad Paisley is one of the artists he likes. I have no problem with buying his CDs, and the fact that he’s from WV makes it an even sweeter deal for me. I am glad to know that my son has a positive role model to look up to that is from our home state!
November 14th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Truly, Brad Paisley is a positive representation of the mountain state! Undoubtedly the best guitar player I’ve ever heard! His songs are unique and witty and have simple, timeless themes as well as a humorous side to modern topics - you never know what he’ll do next! I encourage everyone to see him live in concert - two of his shows are never the same. His hand crafted animation as the stage backdrop is entertainment on it’s own…don’t be surprised to see your favorite local watering hole on the big screen! Songs like “Mud On the Tires”, “Ticks,” and “I’m Gonna Miss Her” could be tales from any county in WV - and be ready to sing along when Brad jumps into home-state favorite “Take Me Home Country Roads.” His music will put a tear in your eye and a tap in your toe - there’s no doubt you’ll be moved by his music and truly proud to say he hails from West Virginia!