Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley Headshot

Singer • Host

Birth Name: Bradley Douglas Paisley

Birth Date: October 28, 1972

Age: 52 years old

Birth Place: Glen Dale, West Virginia

Spouses: Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Reconciling between being an entertainer, songwriter, and guitarist is no easy feat for any musician, yet Brad Paisley managed to achieve being all three effortlessly. Since making a splash in 1999 with his debut album Who Needs Pictures, he produced several Top 10 country music hits, including "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishing Song)," "Celebrity" and "Ticks," all bearing his trademark vivid storytelling, tongue-in-cheek humor, and melodic hooks. But far from being remembered only for his funny novelty songs, Paisley also released songs like "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "Remind Me" that were heartfelt not just in their meaning, but also in his delivery.

A charming Southern gentleman on- and off-stage, who wooed and won actress Kimberly Williams' hand in marriage, Paisley never let his fame go to his head, in spite of the countless top honors that he accumulated over the years, including multiple Country Music Awards and Grammys. Throughout the years, Paisley continued writing and performing songs that not only sold millions of copies, but he also continued giving his loyal fan base the kind of music they had come to expect from a world-class entertainer.

Brad Douglas Paisley was born on Oct. 28, 1972 in Glen Dale, WV. His passion for music started when he was eight years old, after receiving a guitar from his grandfather. By age 12, Paisley had written his first song. Two years later, the once-shy teenager was performing regularly on "Jamboree USA," a famed weekly night radio show in Wheeling, WV, an experience that helped boost his self-esteem and solidify his dreams of becoming a musician. For the next couple of years, Paisley opened for more seasoned country singers such as The Judds, Ricky Skaggs, and George Jones. He spent two years at West Liberty State College near Wheeling before transferring to Belmont University in Nashville, TN. During this time, he also interned at ASCAP and Atlantic Records. After graduating in 1995 with a degree in music business, Paisley signed a songwriting contract with EMI Publishing and quickly scored a hit with the song "Another You" (1997), sung by country music artist David Kersch.

It was not too long before Paisley gained national recognition not only as a songwriter, but also as a singer. In 1999, his career-launching debut album Who Needs Pictures was a commercial success and yielded two chart-toppers, "He Didn't Have to Be," an ode to stepfathers, and the tender ballad "We Danced," about a woman who accepts a wedding proposal from a bartender whom she just met, on the condition that they continue dancing. Paisley's mainstream appeal received a significant boost after he appeared in the documentary "Route 66: Main Street America" (TLC, 2000), which also featured performances by legendary blues artist Buddy Guy.

He capped off the year 2000 with the Horizon Award from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music's Best New Male Vocalist trophy. The following year, then 28-year-old Paisley made country music history by becoming the youngest member to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. For the occasion, he wore his idol Buck Owen's canary-yellow, rhinestone-encrusted Nudie jacket, the same one that the legendary country music performer had worn in the 1960s.

Paisley's sequel to his debut album, Part II (2001) continued his string of success with several Top 10 country hits, including the novelty song "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishing Song)," about a man who chooses a fishing hole over his family. The song's music video featured actress Kimberly Williams, whom Paisley became attracted to after seeing her in the comedy "Father of the Bride" (1991) and its sequel "Father of the Bride Part II" (1995). Like Paisley's first album, Part II did not stray too much from his country roots and was laced with humor and pop culture references that became the singer's trademark.

In 2003, he poked fun at fame and reality TV in the song "Celebrity" off his landmark album Mud on the Tires, which also spawned the hit "Whiskey Lullaby," a duet with Alison Krauss. That same year, Paisley's personal life also marked a turning point when he married Williams in a surprise ceremony in Los Angeles. Their denim-clad guests believed that they were attending the couple's wedding rehearsal until Williams removed her denim coat to reveal a white wedding dress underneath.

By the mid-2000s, Paisley kept up his momentum with a series of critically acclaimed albums as well as top honors from the Academy of Country Music Awards, including the Male Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year awards from the 2008 CMAs. On Time Well Wasted (2005), Paisley delivered a good dose of quirky tracks, booze songs, and his award-winning duet, "When I Get Where I'm Going," with country music icon Dolly Parton. He also dabbled in acting, guest starring on the musical drama series "American Dreams" (NBC, 2002-05) as singer Ricky Nelson, and later, lending his voice as Daddy Armadillo on the children's animated program "The Wonder Pets" (Nickelodeon, 2006- ). He also wrote two original songs for the soundtrack of the Disney animated film "Cars" (2006).

Paisley's success in his genre was undeniable and his songs always managed to take his career to new heights. That fact became even more evident when he won his first Grammy for Best Country Instrumental for the ripping "Throttleneck" from the album 5th Gear (2007). Considered one of his strongest works, 5th Gear featured several No. 1 singles, including the ubiquitous ditty "Ticks" and the social networking satire "Online," as well as more serious fare like "Oh Love," a duet with Carrie Underwood. On the road, Paisley consistently attracted sold-out crowds whether he performed on his own or shared the stage with other artists like Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire.

On his 2009 release American Saturday Night, Paisley stepped out of the country orthodoxy, delivering arena rock-style anthems like "Welcome to the Future" that praised New York's diversity and paid homage to then-newly elected President Barack Obama. In 2011, Paisley clearly had his fans in mind when he made the album This is Country Music, a collection of guitar instrumentals, his signature novelty lyrics and booze-centric songs, and touching ballads.

By Candy Cuenco

Credits

American Music Awards

Music Performer
Awards
2024

Grand Ole Opry: Brad Paisley, Dustin Lynch, Parmalee, Kevin Nealon

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2024

Elmo's Holiday Spectacular: The Nutcracker and Other Tales

Self
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2023

Snake OilStream

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2023

TODAY: Brad Paisley Summer Concert

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2023

Homeward Bound: A Grammy Salute to the Songs of Paul Simon

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2022

Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?Stream

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2022

Ukraine: Answering the Call

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2022

57th ACM Awards: Nominees to Watch

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2022

Smooth Country

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2022

89th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center

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2021

Shine a Light: 9/11 Tribute Concert

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2021

Brad Paisley's Shark CountryStream

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2021

A Grammy Salute to the Sounds of Change

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2021

Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music

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2021

Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music

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2021

Country: Tailgate Party Vol. II

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2021

Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley: Freedom Was A Highway

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2021

Christmas Classics by the Fireplace

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2021

Christmas Classics by the Fireplace Vol. II

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2021

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Inductions

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2020

CMA Best of Fest

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2020

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

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ACM Presents: Our Country

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2020

The Grand Ole Opry

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2020

Country Beachin'

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2020

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2020

No.1 Hot Country

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2020

All-Star America: 4th of July Party

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2020

Country: Throwback Essentials

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2020

Brad Paisley: No I in Beer

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2020

Laid-Back Country

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2020

Country: Best of 2020

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2020

My Country Valentine

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2020

Brad Paisley Thinks He's Special

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2019

Brad Paisley Thinks He's Special

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2019

The Kelly Clarkson Show

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2019

Access Daily

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2019

Charley Pride: I'm Just Me

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2019

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

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2019

Strahan & Sara

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2019

54th ACM Awards: All-Time Winners

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2019

10 Perfect Country Love Songs

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2019

CMA Country Christmas

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2018

The 52nd Annual CMA Awards

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2018

The 52nd Annual CMA Awards

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2018

Today 3rd Hour

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2018

GMA Day

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2018

People Cover Story

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2018

Country Music Awards 2017

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2017

The Year in Memoriam 2017

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The 51st Annual CMA Awards

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2017

The 51st Annual CMA Awards

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2017

Living Every Day: Luke Bryan

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2017

11th Annual ACM Honors

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2017

Brad Paisley's Comedy Rodeo

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2017

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

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2017

The Gong Show

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2017

CntryChristmas

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2017

Brad Paisley -- Landmarks Live in Concert: A Great Performances Special

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2017

Brad Paisley: Last Time For Everything

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2017

The 50th Annual CMA Awards

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2016

The 50th Annual CMA Awards

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2016

All Access Nashville: Celebrating the CMA Awards With Robin Roberts

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2016

Today's Take

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2016

Brad Paisley Feat. Demi Lovato: Without a Fight

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2016

Brad Paisley: Today

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2016

Brad Paisley Feat. Demi Lovato: Without a Fight (Lyric Video)

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2016

The 49th Annual CMA Awards

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2015

Countdown to the CMA Awards: Country's Greatest Crossover Hits With Robin Roberts

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2015

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CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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2015

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2015

iHeartRadio Country Festival

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2015

The 50th Academy of Country Music Awards

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2015

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2015

Brad Paisley: Sharp Dressed Man

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2015

American Saturday Night: Live From the Grand Ole Opry

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2015

CMA Country Christmas

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2014

Brad Paisley and Friends

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2014

The 48th Annual CMA Awards

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2014

Countdown to the CMA Awards: 15 Songs That Changed Country Music With Robin Roberts

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2014

CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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2014

Rising Star

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2014

The 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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2014

Late Night With Seth MeyersStream

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2014

Late Night With Seth MeyersStream

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2014

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream

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2014

The Beatles: The Night That Changed America - A Grammy Salute

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2014

The 40th Annual People's Choice Awards

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2014

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2014

Brad Paisley: Crushin' It

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2014

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2014

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2014

Planes: Fire & Rescue

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2014

Flygplan 2: Räddningstjänsten - sv.tal

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2014

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Planes 2

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Planes 2: Immer im Einsatz

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Planes: Fire & Rescue

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2014

American Country Awards

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2013

CMA Awards 2013

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2013

The 47th Annual CMA Awards

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The 47th Annual CMA Awards

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2013

The Crazy OnesStream

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CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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Brad Paisley: Beat This Summer

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2013

Brad Paisley: Away In A Manger (Yule Log Edition)

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2013

Brad Paisley: Born on Christmas Day (Yule Log Edition)

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2013

Brad Paisley: Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday (Yule Log Edition)

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2013

iHeartRadio Music Festival

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2012

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2012

The 46th Annual CMA Awards

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2012

The 46th Annual CMA Awards

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2012

NashvilleStream

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91%

NashvilleStream

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iHeartRadio Music Festival

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2012

CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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2012

ACM Awards 2012

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2012

The 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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2012

Brad Paisley: Southern Comfort Zone

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CMA Country Christmas

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2011

The 45th Annual CMA Awards

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2011

The 45th Annual CMA Awards

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2011

CMA Close Up Presents Road to the 2011 CMA Awards

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2011

CMA Close Up Presents Road to the 2012 CMA Awards

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2011

Growing Hope Against Hunger

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2011

The Chew

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2011

CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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2011

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

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2011

Bob Ross: The Happy PainterStream

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Brooks & Dunn: The Last Rodeo

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2011

The VoiceStream

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2011

The VoiceStream

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2011

The VoiceStream

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2011

The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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2011

All Together Now: A Celebration of Service

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2011

Brad Paisley Feat. Carrie Underwood: Remind Me

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2011

Brad Paisley Feat. Alabama: Old Alabama

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2011

CMA Country Christmas

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2010

CMA Awards 2010

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2010

The 44th Annual CMA Awards

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2010

In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville

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2010

The Talk

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2010

CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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2010

Dolly Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood

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2010

National Memorial Day Concert (2010)

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2010

ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn -- The Last Rodeo

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2010

The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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2010

Brad Paisley: Alcohol (Live)

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2010

Brad Paisley: Water

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2010

Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special

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2009

The 43rd Annual CMA Awards

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2009

The Jay Leno Show

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2009

The Jay Leno Show

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2009

CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock

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2009

Watch What Happens Live With Andy CohenStream

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2009

The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien

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2009

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

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2009

Brad Paisley: Welcome To The Future

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2009

Brad Paisley: American Saturday Night

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2009

31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors

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2008

The 42nd Annual CMA Awards

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2008

The 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

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2008

How Great Thou Art

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2008

Brad Paisley Duet with Keith Urban: Start A Band

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2008

Brad Paisley with Andy Griffith: Waitin' on a Woman

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2008

Elmo's Christmas Countdown

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2007

The 41st Annual CMA Awards

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2007

The Better Show

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2007

Brad Paisley: Ticks

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2007

Brad Paisley: Online

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2007

Brad Paisley: Letter to Me

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2007

Brad Paisley: Ticks (Live)

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2007

America's Got TalentStream

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2006

America's Got TalentStream

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Brad Paisley: She's Everything

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2006

Brad Paisley: The World

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2006

Brad Paisley Feat. Dolly Parton: When I Get Where I'm Going

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2006

Dancing With the StarsStream

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2005

Brad Paisley: Alcohol

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2005

Alison Krauss Feat. Brad Paisley: Whiskey Lullaby

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2004

Brad Paisley: Celebrity

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2004

Brad Paisley: He Didn't Have to Be

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2004

Brad Paisley: I Wish You'd Stay

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2004

Brad Paisley: Little Moments

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2004

Brad Paisley: Me Neither

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2004

Brad Paisley: Mud on the Tires

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2004

Brad Paisley: Two People Fell in Love

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2004

Brad Paisley: Who Needs Pictures

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2004

Brad Paisley: Wrapped Around

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2004

Two and a Half MenStream

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2003
65%

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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2003

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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2003

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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2003

Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream

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2003

Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream

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2003

American Dreams

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2002
85%

According to JimStream

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2001

Live With Regis and Kelly

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2001

Brad Paisley: I'm Gonna Miss Her

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2001

The Daily Show With Jon StewartStream

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1999

South ParkStream

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1997
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The View

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1997

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Access Hollywood

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1996

Extra

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1994

Late Show With David Letterman

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1992

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1981

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Today

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News aboutBrad Paisley