Country music is famous for its down home earthy feel. It doesn’t have the flashy lights of rock n’ roll, or the loud bass prominently featured in most rap songs. Country songs have always been known for their easy-going rhythm along with the comforting strums of the banjo and guitar.

Throughout its history, country music has had many notable “front men,” going back to George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Rogers. Today, the country music industry is bigger than ever, and every week new names such as Luke Bryan, Chase Rice, Justin Moore, or Florida Georgia Line pop into the headlines. These young bloods are the future of the industry, but they owe a lot to the “old guard,” that is Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Brad Paisley.

These three “masters of country music,” are credited with putting country music on the map, so to speak, and shaping the industry into what it is today. With all of their careers starting within a span of five years, they have been making hits from the early nineties into the present day. These guys are seen by many as mentors to the young “Luke Bryans,” yet are still able to put out great material of their own, such as Kenny Chesney’s “American Kids”, which came out earlier this year.

In this writer’s opinion, the master of the masters is without a doubt Brad Paisley. Paisley grew up from humble beginnings, coming from a poorer family in Glen Dale, West Virginia, on the Ohio River. His music career started off with him singing in church choirs, and also at town events. Eventually, he was invited on a local radio station, where he performed his original “Born on Christmas Day.” This is now part of his Christmas album (which I highly encourage you take a listen to this, holiday season and all.)

Paisley has gone on to produce 10 more albums, and is still going today, with his latest album Moonshine in the trunk being released in September. Paisley has also embarked on an astonishing 15 tours. Paisley is married to actress Kimberly Williams, with whom he has two sons. Throughout his long career, Paisley has been accepted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and has performed at the White House.

Of course, I can sit here and tell you all about how great Paisley is, but words can only go so far. Thus, I encourage you to Google some of Paisley’s greatest masterpieces and take a listen, as I assure you it’s highly worth your time.

A list of his best songs would not be complete without such favorites as “River Bank”, “Ticks,” “Mud on the Tires,” “Water,” “I’m Still a Guy,” “He didn’t have to be,” “Southern Comfort Zone,” “Anything like me,” “This is Country Music,” “Limes,” “High Life,” “American Saturday Night,” “Online,” “Alcohol,” “Beat This Summer,” “Letter to Me,” and “Remind Me.”

All in all, Brad Paisley absolutely kills it on every level, he’s a bro, and I hope he continues to make many more masterpieces to come. I absolutely love his music. Here’s to Brad! Keep doing you!