Brad Paisley Inks a Book Deal

Country music superstar Brad Paisley wears many hats, and I don't just mean 10-gallon ones. The Pais will publish his first major book, titled The Diary of a Player, with Howard Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. The new book, set for release in May 2011, is not a salacious story about the shark-like world of dating and male sluts, as the title might suggest to those with dirty, colloquial minds, but a salute to the guitar gods of country, blues, and rock 'n' roll who have shaped Paisely's life. The book will be co-written with David Wild, a contributing editor to Rolling Stone.

The Diary of a Player is the very personal story of how Paisley became who he is today. The essence of the book is captured in the liner notes he wrote for his instrumental album Play, which is as follows:

"When I was eight I got a gift from my grandpa. No coincidence that around that time I also got an identity. See, no matter how I have changed, learned and evolved as a person, the guitar has been a major part of it, and really the only constant. A crutch, a shrink, a friend, love interest, parachute, flying machine, soapbox, canvas, liability, investment, jackpot, tease, a sage, a gateway, an addiction, a recovery, backstage pass, pickup line, weapon of revenge, a makeover, compass, target, icebreaker, a temptress, a church, a voice, veil, armor, and lifeline. My grandpa knew it could be many of these things for me, but mostly he just wanted me to never be alone. He said if I learned to play, anything would be manageable, and life would be richer. You can get through some real tough moments with that guitar on your knee. When life gets intense, there are people who drink, who seek counseling, eat, watch TV, pray, cry, sleep, and so on. I play." Wow. That was so touching! Brad, you're a doll.

Paisley's next album, Hits Alive, will include original studio tracks as well as live performances from his "H2O" Tour. It will be released November 2. A week and a day later, on November 10, Paisley will co-host the CMA awards for the third consecutive year.

Are you planning to read The Diary of a Player?