• Faith: Christian
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  October 28, 1972

Brad Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

He was born on October 28, 1972, in Glen Dale, West Virginia. Raised in a tight-knit community, Paisley was introduced to music early on by his grandfather, Warren Jarvis, who gave him his first guitar at the age of eight. It didn’t take long for young Brad to realize his calling. By age 10, he had written his first song and was performing at his local church and civic events.

Paisley’s roots in West Virginia—and the culture and faith that surrounded his upbringing—would later become central themes in his music. He attended John Marshall High School and eventually went on to study at West Liberty State College before transferring to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned a degree in Music Business in 1995.

Paisley’s career took off quickly after graduating from Belmont. He signed a songwriting contract with EMI Music Publishing, where he wrote hits for other artists before releasing his debut album, "Who Needs Pictures," in 1999. The album produced his first number-one hit, "He Didn’t Have to Be," a touching tribute to stepfathers that showcased Paisley’s emotional depth and storytelling ability.

Over the years, Paisley has released a string of successful albums including "Mud on the Tires" (2003), "Time Well Wasted" (2005), and "5th Gear" (2007). With over 30 Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and numerous Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards, Paisley has solidified his place as one of country music’s most enduring stars.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Paisley is known for his electric guitar solos and his blending of traditional country with modern themes and humor. Songs like "Ticks," "Online," and "Alcohol" highlight his comedic side, while tracks like "Whiskey Lullaby" and "When I Get Where I’m Going" delve into deeper, more emotional territory.

Brad Paisley’s personal life is as admired as his music career. He met actress Kimberly Williams after seeing her in the movie "Father of the Bride" and later invited her to appear in the music video for his song "I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)." The two quickly developed a connection and were married on March 15, 2003, at the Stauffer Chapel on Pepperdine University’s campus in Malibu, California.

Together, the couple has two sons: William Huckleberry "Huck" Paisley, born in 2007, and Jasper Warren Paisley, born in 2009. They reside in Nashville, Tennessee, and are known for maintaining a grounded, family-oriented lifestyle despite their celebrity status.

The Paisleys have also been active in various philanthropic efforts, often using their platform to support causes related to health, education, and hunger relief. Their genuine commitment to helping others has made them one of country music’s most beloved couples.

Brad Paisley's Religious Beliefs

Brad Paisley is a Christian and identifies specifically as a Southern Baptist. He was raised in a devout household in West Virginia where faith played an important role in daily life. Over the years, Paisley has remained committed to his spiritual beliefs, incorporating elements of faith into his life and music.

While he doesn't always write overtly Christian songs, Paisley is known for subtly weaving religious themes and questions about faith into his work. One of the most notable examples is his song "Those Crazy Christians," which presents an honest, even humorous reflection on the behavior of believers from the perspective of a nonbeliever. The song was inspired in part by the death of a cousin-in-law and the remarkable support the family received from their church community. It’s a track that captures Paisley’s ability to explore faith with nuance, empathy, and sincerity.

In an interview, Paisley shared, “I’m a Christian. I’m Southern Baptist. I don’t always understand everything about my faith, and I sometimes question things, but it has been a stabilizing force in my life.” He went on to say that exploring difficult questions and expressing doubt is not the opposite of faith, but rather a part of it.

Paisley and his wife are also known for putting their faith into action. One of their most significant efforts is "The Store," a free, nonprofit grocery store they launched in partnership with Belmont University. Located in Nashville, The Store is designed to provide temporary food support to individuals and families experiencing economic hardship, while preserving their dignity and privacy. Paisley said, “We want to help people in a way that doesn’t make them feel embarrassed or ashamed. That’s what love and community—and our faith—calls us to do.”