Brad Paisley: the Stetson wearing, guitar strumming, goofball extraordinaire from West Virginia who has sold over 12 million albums, won multiple Grammy’s, CMA’s, ACA’s, and has earned himself the most prestigious award of all…becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. With countless hits and amazing shows to speak of, it wasn’t easy to narrow down to just five reasons why he’s this week’s MCM.
1. His songs resonate with fans. Paisley’s catalogue includes touching songs like “He Didn’t Have to Be,” co-written by Paisley and Kelley Lovelace, from perspective of a child of a single mother when the man she’s dating suddenly builds a relationship with him and love songs such as the wonderful “She’s Everything,” co-written by Paisley and Will Nance, a poignant love song talking about all the things a man loves about his woman. Then there’s the ones penned with a man’s thinking in mind. “Ticks,” co-written by Paisley, Lovelace, and Tim Owens is a flirtatious parody about getting closer to a gal, rather than the blood sucking insect. “I’m Still a Guy,” co-written by Paisley, Lovelace, and Lee Thomas Miller, pokes fun at the struggle men have when their woman tries to feminize his world. The list could go on and on as there are many more to mention and all are fan favorites which have become demanded staples at every show.
2. Brad owns the stage. He always brings an infinite amount of energy, killer guitar playing, props and pranks. His fans never sit, always sing along, and never leave disappointed. Paisley’s stage set up has video screens which play various scenes from his cartoon, and videos when he sing songs that include his favorite icons, like George Jones. One of the things fans love most is when Paisley gives away one of his guitars which includes an autograph done on the spot. Fans also look forward to what pranks he might pull on stage to his unsuspecting tour mates, such as photoshopping the head of Chris Young on the body of a naked man at the beach, and Brad the mascot also makes an appearance to the delight of fans. Comedy whether it be song, prank, or cartoon, it seems as if it could be the alter ego of Mr. Paisley.
3. Being a comedian is never ending for Paisley. From hit stint as co-host The CMA’s with his equally goofy sidekick Carrie Underwood, Paisley has been a frequent voice over for Comedy Central’s South Park, has guested on several talk shows and has been known to prank quite a few along the way, including his wife. His comedy has breached his songs as well. His fans have enjoyed such comedic tunes as “Online,” a tune which makes fun of online dating, “Alcohol,” which is sung from the perception of the hard liquor bottle, and “Celebrity.” Brad can add stand up comic to his resume as the comedian, er.. country singer, played host at the Wild West Comedy Festival this past April. So whether it’s on stage, in song, or in a cartoon….fans always get to enjoy this side of Brad.
4. His charitable contributions. All silliness aside there is another side to Brad that makes him near and dear to his fans. Brad has never been a stranger to supporting well worthy causes as he has donated time and money before and after he was a signed artist. That alone makes him such a humanitarian, even to the extent of winning the Country Radio Broadcaster’s Artist Humanitarian Award in 2004. He created his own charitable fund to the charities in his home state of West Virginia, including giving a free concert in which proceeds were donated to the victims of the recent floods there. Other notable charities he’s helped are; St. Jude’s, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.
5. Behind every good man is an even better woman. Brad’s wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley has been the fodder for some of his jokes, but his marriage to her is unlike most in the entertainment industry and their courtship was quite…unconventional. Like most people, Brad’s first glimpse of Kimberly was in the Steve Martin classic “Father of the Bride;” knowing he had to meet her, Brad not-so-innocently cast the actress in his 2002 video for “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” and his scheme paid off as the two were married in 2003. The pair have two children together and their family life is often depicted in song and on social media. Brad makes no bones about how much he adores his wife and family.