Brad Paisley has a sound. There is a distinctive twang to his incredible guitar playing. Fire on the strings. Few guitarists in the world can combine his phenomenal speed and deep emotional expression but Brad makes it look almost effortless … while at the same time creating possibly the most distinctive playing style in the whole of country music.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Brad brought a vibrancy and a fantastic energy to Nashville. Here was a major new artist crashing into what had previously been a slow-moving country scene, bringing great songwriting, an open mind and a unique, infectious sense of humour to Music Row. Brad brought country music into the 21st century and helped push open the door to a whole new generation of country stars. And he brought a wonderful sprit of irreverent laughter and joy as successor to Vince Gill and co-host with Carrie Underwood of country Music’s Biggest Night – the Country Music Association Awards.

His unique sense of humour is brilliantly expressed in a songwriting style that combines lyrical sharpness with a wry and quirky sense of fun and his songs represent a progressive world view that has inspired many other Southern artists to engage with fans from way beyond their own County line. It’s a mindset best expressed in the words of ‘Southern Comfort Zone’ is a huge production, open-minded hymn to world exploration and travel. ‘I’ve walked the streets of Rome and been to foreign lands. I know what it’s like to talk and have no one understand’.

His eclectic influences transcend musical genres. At last count, his record collection included Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, Eric Clapton, Huey Lewis and the Rolling Stones and he has collaborated with artists as diverse as Alison Krauss, Mick Jagger, B.B. King, LL Cool J and Sheryl Crow.

Over the years Brad and I have talked many times about the music he loves and many times the conversations have come back to Buddy Holly. ‘He was way ahead of his time’ Brad told me. ‘He made music that was magic in its simplicity and genius in its accessibility. He was one of the greats who paved the way for so many of us’.

Bob Harris