Brad Paisley

His grandfather, a country-music fan, gave him his first guitar when he was 8. Wrote his first song, "Born on Christmas Day," when he was 12; his school principal was impressed and asked him to play it at a Rotary Club meeting. Performed on WWVA's "Jamboree USA," a weekly country-music radio show, after the station's program director saw him play at the Rotary meeting. Was a "Jamboree USA" regular for eight years, opening for country stars the Judds, George Jones and Ricky Skaggs, among others. Released his debut album, Who Needs Pictures, on June 1, 1999. Started the Brad Paisley Foundation in 2000 to help charities in and around his hometown of Glen Dale, WV. Made his TV acting debut in 2002 on the sitcom According to Jim, which starred his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Favorite author is Mark Twain; named his first son William Huckleberry.