CMT Inside Fame   -  About the Episode

Brad Paisley arrived on the country music scene in 1999 with his first single, "He Didn't Have to Be," and quickly became one of the most-nominated, most-awarded new country artists. CMT goes to West Virginia to uncover his musical roots, and Paisley talks about the music that inspired his move to Nashville, his fast rise to fame and his relationship with new wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim). Paisley's reverent love of country music began in West Virginia where he watched his grandfather play tunes of Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Merle Travis. Paisley began playing the guitar when he was 8, wrote his first song at 12 and landed a regular gig on the local country radio station's weekly show where he performed for eight years. It was backstage at this weekly show where he soaked up tips from legends like George Jones. Since his debut, Paisley has garnered multiple awards from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. He has received Grammy nods and a CMT Flameworthy Video Music Award. His most-treasured honor was his 2001 induction into the Grand Ole Opry.