Review
"In his first book, Grammy Award-winning country star Paisley pays tribute to the legendary musicians who helped him along the way. Any guitar aficionado will love this tale of extraordinary musicians gladly guiding a talented youngster—a journey that began at the tender age of eight when Paisley's grandfather gave him his first guitar. With the collaboration of Wild, who is steeped in the country music scene, Paisley offers a story accessible even to country novices...Paisley certainly entertains in this charming story of his road to success." (
Publishers Weekly, starred review)
"Brad Paisley knows a thing or two about writing hooks for general music fans while still throwing in enough guitar pyrotechnics to keep his guitar-playing audience happy, if not slightly stunned." (
Premier Guitar)
"Paisley and Wild write in an easygoing, personal style that suggests the experience of actually sitting down with the musician and hearing him describe his life in music and the lessons he's learned. Verdict: A must-read for any fan of Paisley, this book really tells readers what makes him tick. Highly recommended for all country fans." (
Library Journal)
"Country singer Brad Paisley is known as a man of many guitars, but none of these collectibles is as dear to him as the mail order Sears Danelectro Silvertone his grandfather bought him when he was eight. It is memories like this that make this autobiography such a vivid, personal document. By recalling the instruments that gave him a voice and a career, Paisley presents a far more intimate self-portrait than those rendered by fame-driven musicians. As he writes, 'There are some people who drink, who seek counseling, eat, or watch TV, cry, sleep, and so on. I play.' A memorable, amenable memoir." (
BarnesandNoble.com)
About the Author
Brad Paisley was given his first Sears Danelectro guitar by his grandfather when he was only eight years old. This guitar changed the whole direction of his life. By the age of twelve, Brad had already written his first song, “Born on Christmas Day.” At thirteen his growing talent was spotted and he began opening public performances by major country stars such as The Judds, Ricky Skaggs, and even George Jones at the Capital Music Hall in Wheeling, West Virginia. Today, Brad is an acclaimed music superstar artist still in his thirties and the very blessed husband to the lovely and talented actress Kimberly Williams Paisley (whom Brad fell for the moment he saw her onscreen in
Father of the Bride), as well as the father of two beautiful sons, Huck and Jasper.
As a graduate of Cornell University,
David Wild first worked for
Esquire before moving to
Rolling Stone. In the mid 90s, Wild started working extensively in television as well as print. Among his numerous credits, he was Emmy-nominated as the head writer for
America: A Tribute to Heroes, an all-network telethon held in the wake of 9/11. His TV credits include all the Grammy Awards since 1999, the Country Music Association Awards since 2002, the Emmy Awards since 2005, and much more. He has also written liner notes essays for dozens of artists, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Frnak Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Eagles, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Randy Newman, Van Halen, and Van Morrison. David lives in Los Angeles with his wife, his two sons, and multiple iPods.
