NASHVILLE, TN. (Arista/RCA Records) - The stage of Nashville 's historic Ryman Auditorium became the setting for a landmark occasion Tuesday night, as industry, friends, family, and fellow Grand Ole Opry stars turned out in force to honor Arista Nashville recording artist
Brad Paisley in a celebration toasting Paisley 's career sales of five million albums. Hosted by the RCA Label Group (home to Paisley 's Arista Nashville label) and the Grand Ole Opry, the event literally brought guests on stage for an evening of camaraderie and fun.
For Paisley, who hits the five million sales mark after only three albums (1999's Who Needs Pictures, 2001's Part II, and 2003's Mud on the Tires), the Ryman offered the perfect setting for the occasion, recalling another career milestone when Paisley was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on that stage in 2001. As Gaylord Entertainment's Steve Buchanan noted, 'It's a place where his passion and creativity play out.'
Lauded by RCA Label Group Chairman Joe Galante for the honesty and sense of humor that have been such a part of his work, Paisley was presented with a commemorative five million plaque from the label, as well as the first of three gift guitars. Known for his guitar wizardry, Paisley has become a guitar connoisseur, and those around him have come to appreciate what he likes. First receiving a Gretsch 6122 electric guitar from his record label, he also received a McPherson acoustic from his management company, Fitzgerald Hartley. And in a particularly meaningful moment, Paisley said, 'This is my favorite guitar player, right here,' as his longtime six-string hero, John Jorgenson, presented him with a G&L ASAT electric guitar Brad saw him play during a Desert Rose Band appearance on Austin City Limits years earlier.
Among the many other celebrities and guests on hand were Brad's fellow Grand Ole Opry stars Jack Greene and Bill Anderson, as well as noted songwriter Jon Randall, with whom Anderson co-wrote 'Whiskey Lullaby,' Brad's hit duet with Alison Krauss. Also in attendance was Paisley 's wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who, together with her husband, was presented with official his & hers Grand Ole Opry boots, courtesy of the Opry.
From their vantage point on stage, guests were treated to two video presentations, aired on multiple monitors on stage, and, uniquely, on four jumbo video screens positioned around the Ryman's first floor audience pews. The trademark humor that's surfaced in many a Paisley song found its way into both videos - one a cartoon completely self-drawn and created by Brad and featured in his live shows, the other a special compilation of quick cuts and career highlights featuring footage from his early days as a child performer until today.
Clearly honored by the evening's celebration, Paisley was nonetheless characteristically quick on his feet, as he quipped, 'It's an amazing thing to retire this early in your career…just kidding.'
A prior three-time CMA Award winner, Paisley is currently nominated for four 2004 CMAs, including Single, Song, and Music Video of the Year (for 'Whiskey Lullaby') and Album of the Year (for Mud on the Tires).
