Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brad Paisley

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Brad Paisley made an impact.

Brad Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to prominence in 1997 by writing "Another You" for David Kersh. He signed with Arista Nashville in 1998 and debuted with his album Who Needs Pictures in 1999. He released twelve studio albums for Arista before moving to EMI Nashville in 2023. His most successful albums include Mud on the Tires (2003) and Time Well Wasted (2005), which achieved double-platinum certification by the RIAA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1968: 1968 Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster

In 1968, the Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster became the instrument most often associated with Brad Paisley.

1990: Most Consecutive Number One Country Hits Since Nielsen SoundScan

By September 20, 2008, Brad Paisley became the artist with the most consecutive Number One country hits since the inception of Nielsen SoundScan in 1990.

1997: First Success as a Songwriter

In 1997, Brad Paisley achieved his first success as a songwriter for David Kersh's "Another You".

1998: Signing with Arista Nashville

In 1998, Brad Paisley signed with Arista Nashville, marking a significant step in his career.

February 1, 1999: Debut as a Singer

On February 1, 1999, Brad Paisley debuted as a singer with the release of "Who Needs Pictures" under Arista Nashville.

1999: Co-Writing "Watching My Baby Not Come Back"

In 1999, Brad Paisley co-wrote David Ball's single, "Watching My Baby Not Come Back".

1999: First Number One Single

In 1999, Brad Paisley had his first number one single with "He Didn't Have to Be" on the Billboard country singles charts.

1999: Debut Album Release

In 1999, Brad Paisley released his debut album, "Who Needs Pictures", marking the beginning of his recording career.

February 2001: "Who Needs Pictures" Certified Platinum

By February 2001, Brad Paisley's album "Who Needs Pictures" was certified platinum, indicating significant sales success.

2001: Contribution to Chely Wright's Album

In 2001, Brad Paisley contributed to Chely Wright's album "Never Love You Enough", co-writing tracks and playing guitar.

August 2002: "Part II" Album Certified Platinum

In August 2002, Brad Paisley's album "Part II" was certified platinum, marking significant sales success and popularity.

2003: "Mud on the Tires" Album Release

In 2003, Brad Paisley released "Mud on the Tires", a commercially successful album that was later certified double-platinum.

2003: Release of "Mud on the Tires" Album

In 2003, Brad Paisley released his third album, "Mud on the Tires", which featured the hit song "Celebrity."

2004: "Mud on the Tires" Reached Billboard No. 1

In 2004, the title track "Mud on the Tires" from Brad Paisley's album reached number one on the Billboard charts, marking a significant achievement.

2005: "Time Well Wasted" Album Release

In 2005, Brad Paisley released the album "Time Well Wasted", which achieved double-platinum certification, solidifying his commercial success.

2005: Release of "Time Well Wasted" Album

In 2005, after touring with Reba McEntire and Terri Clark, Brad Paisley released "Time Well Wasted", featuring multiple hit singles.

2006: Start of Consecutive Number One Singles

In 2006, Brad Paisley began a streak of ten consecutive number-one singles, starting with "When I Get Where I'm Going."

2006: Unsolicited Airplay for Reissued "Waitin' on a Woman"

In late 2006, the reissued version of Brad Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman", a track from "Time Well Wasted", received unsolicited airplay.

June 19, 2007: Release of "5th Gear" Album

On June 19, 2007, Brad Paisley's fifth studio album, "5th Gear", was released in the United States, marking a new chapter in his musical career.

September 8, 2008: Release of "Start a Band" Duet with Keith Urban

On September 8, 2008, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban released their first duet, "Start a Band", to country radio, marking a collaboration between the two artists.

September 20, 2008: "Waitin' on a Woman" Reaches Number One

For the chart week of September 20, 2008, Brad Paisley's song "Waitin' on a Woman" became his twelfth number-one single, making him the artist with the most consecutive Number One country hits since 1990.

November 4, 2008: Release of "Play" Instrumental Album

On November 4, 2008, Brad Paisley released his sixth instrumental album, titled "Play", showcasing his guitar skills.

June 30, 2009: Release of "American Saturday Night" Album

On June 30, 2009, Brad Paisley's seventh studio album, "American Saturday Night", was released, marking another milestone in his career.

November 11, 2009: Co-hosting and Awards at the CMA Awards

On November 11, 2009, Brad Paisley co-hosted the CMA Awards for the second straight year, performed "Welcome to the Future", and won Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for "Start a Band" with Keith Urban.

2009: Executive Producer of "Nashville" Drama Series

In 2009, Brad Paisley was announced as the executive producer for a new drama series titled "Nashville" that would air on The CW network. However, the pilot was not picked up for a series.

Loading Video...

2009: End of Consecutive Number One Singles Streak

In 2009, Brad Paisley's streak of ten consecutive number-one singles ended with "Then."

August 4, 2010: Announcement of "Hits Alive" Greatest Hits Package

On August 4, 2010, it was announced that Brad Paisley would release his first official greatest hits package, entitled "Hits Alive."

November 2, 2010: Release of "Hits Alive" Album

On November 2, 2010, Brad Paisley released "Hits Alive", a double-disc collection featuring studio and live versions of his hit songs.

November 10, 2010: CMA Awards Co-hosting and Entertainer of the Year Win

On November 10, 2010, Brad Paisley co-hosted the 44th Annual CMA Awards and was awarded the CMA's top award, Entertainer of the Year.

2010: Release of Brad Paisley Signature Paisley Drive

In 2010, Brad Paisley and Wampler Pedals released the Brad Paisley signature Paisley Drive, a guitar overdrive pedal designed to his specifications. He also used Audiotech Guitar Products ABY Selector's.

2012: Cameo Appearances on "Nashville"

In 2012, Brad Paisley made two cameo appearances on the TV show "Nashville". His wife, Kimberly Williams, also had a recurring role on the show.

Loading Video...

2015: "Perfect Storm" Number One Single

In 2015, Brad Paisley had the number one single "Perfect Storm" on the Billboard country singles charts.

2015: Introduction of Brad Paisley Signature Model Guitar

In 2015, Santa Cruz Guitar Company introduced the Brad Paisley Signature Model, B/PW, acoustic dreadnought guitar.

2016: Collaboration and Release of DB4 Model

In 2016, Brad Paisley and Dr. Z Amplification collaborated and released the DB4 model amplifier, named as their "Doc & Brad's fourth amp design".

June 2021: Promotion of COVID Vaccine with Jill Biden

In June 2021, Brad Paisley promoted the COVID vaccine alongside First Lady Jill Biden. He sang a modified version of "Jolene", replacing the titular name with "vaccine."

Loading Video...

2022: Advocacy for Ukraine and Joining United24 Project

In 2022, Brad Paisley became a vocal advocate for Ukraine following Putin's announcement of a "special military operation." He joined the United24 project as an ambassador for its "Rebuilding Ukraine" program.