MORRISTOWN - For Brad Paisley, a tour through the Ohio Valley is a visit home.
In addition to visiting with his mom and dad, extended family and friends, the Glen Dale native loves taking in the many unique qualities of the Ohio Valley where he grew up.
Jamboree In The Hills is no exception, as the country star told the News-Register following his performance Thursday night.
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Photos by Scott McCloskey
Glen Dale native Brad Paisley performs for the Jamboree In The Hills crowd during the opening day of the music festival Thursday.
Boasting country legends like Reba McEntire, Johnny Cash and George Jones, the annual "Superbowl of Country Music" for more than 30 years has provided a stage where country artists could showcase their talents. Paisley grew up watching those stars take the stage every third weekend in July, all the while playing local gigs in his attempt to make it big.
Since 1985, the 2008 Top Male Vocalist winner for the Academy of County Music has followed in their footsteps, performing on the Jamboree stage.
Thousands of screaming fans enjoyed his act in the rolling hills of Belmont County. He started off the evening with his hit "Mud on the Tires," then closed with another hit song, "Alcohol." Some couples chose to slow dance when he played a ballad, while the singles in the crowd rocked out when Paisley played an upbeat tune. While many of the acts before him-acts such as Joe Zelek, Julianne Hough and Chuck Wicks, kept people dancing and singing, Paisley's music had an animating effect on the crowd, pulling them away from the concession and souvenir stands. After he took the mike, the food stands and other attractions, for the most part, were empty as the crowd prepared for a party.
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"It's great to be here," he told the audience. "But we're gonna rename this tonight. Tonight it's going to be 'The Jamboree in the Hills Paisley Party.'"
After the show, Paisley refleced on the great number of fans who have supported his music through the years.
"All I care about is seeing these people have fun," Paisley said. "I wouldn't be here without the support of the Ohio Valley."
In fact, he's so grateful to his Ohio Valley fans that he chose to come back to the area last October to film a video for his single "Letter To Me." The video was shot in and around Glen Dale, and it even featured alumni and current students of Paisley's alma mater, John Marshall High School. In the video, the 1991 graduate was filmed reminiscing with fellow classmates.
"I think it was a work of art," Paisley said of the video. "It meant so much to me."
Jamboree In The Hills is also something that means a lot to him, as Paisley reflected on his years as a spectator watching other stars perform. Soon, at the tender age of 14, he was also playing on the stage, and was able to bring that experience with him when he traveled to Nashville.
"I remember growing up here and what (Jamboree) meant to me," he said. "And, I think I was the only person in my age group that performed in front of 30,000 people."
Starting with the release of his 1999 album "Who Needs Pictures," the 35-year-old has recorded five studio albums and a Christmas compilation.
In addition, he has charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, over 10 of which have reached No. 1. His latest album, "5th Gear," has produced seven No. 1 singles on the country music singles charts.
Recently Paisley fulfilled another life-long dream, as he got to work with veteran actor Andy Griffith in the video for his song "Waitin' on a Woman." The video features Griffith, of whom Paisley is a huge fan, as an elderly man waiting for his wife.
The video was shot on location near Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, N.C.
"That was one of the best experiences of my life," he said. "It was really fun. I think I'm getting together with Andy this weekend."
Paisley also is working with established singer-songwriter, Jewel, who also performed at JITH on Thursday. Jewel is touring as an opening act on the "Paisley Party Tour 2008," presented by Hershey's.
"It's bizarre for me," Paisley said of Jewel's decision to tour with him. "I really am appreciative that she chose me."
Prior to Paisley's performance, Jewel took the stage, singing many of her hits, including "Hands" and "You Were Meant For Me".
One exciting aspect of Paisley's show this year was a surprise guest performance by blues legend B. B. King. Through the miracles of technology, Paisley and King sang "Let the Good Times Roll", thanks to a pre-recorded performance King did for Paisley. He said King's performance was originally filmed for a live show, and was grateful that King allowed him to use it on the tour.
The 42-date tour kicked off in Albuquerque, N.M., in June and, in addition to the Jamboree performance, will bring Paisley back to the area for a show at the Post-Gazette Pavilion in Burgettstown, Pa., on Aug. 17. He returns to the Buckeye State on Aug. 29 for a performance at Blossom Music Center near Cleveland.
And while hometown favorite Paisley took the stage Thursday, JITH is far from over.
The music and festivities - including a chance for an up-close look at an AIM-9 Sidewinder supersonic, heat-seeking missile that is carried by fighter aircraft and is on display under the supervision of the U.S. Air Force - continue today, Saturday and Sunday at the site along U.S. 40 just east of Morristown.