09:03 AM EDT 05/09/2013

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Country Music Royalty Remember George Jones at Funeral

George Jones Remembered by Country Stars at Funeral

Originally posted 05/02/2013 05:50PM

For a guy who sang so many sad songs, George Jones left behind a lot of laughs.

There was more humor than sadness at Jones's funeral Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry House as thousands gathered in Nashville – some arriving hours before sunrise –to pay their respects to the man whose voice has defined country music for more than half a century.

Friend after friend related stories of Jones' kindness, his love for his widow, Nancy, who's credited with helping him survive his personal demons later in life, and the funny little moments that will stick with them always.

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FIRST LOOK: Brad Paisley Joins Connie Britton on Set of Nashville | Brad Paisley

TV News

Brad Paisley Joins Connie Britton for Nashville Finale

Originally posted 05/01/2013 03:10PM

A real-life country star is coming to Nashville.

Brad Paisley will make a special guest appearance as himself on the season finale of the ABC drama – and PEOPLE has the first photos from the set.

The Grammy winner, 40, will perform with Connie Britton and Charles Esten's characters, Rayna and Deacon, at the CMA Awards during the episode, which airs May 22.

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LL Cool J Wanted to 'Shake Things Up' with 'Accidental Racist' | Brad Paisley, LL Cool J

LL Cool J Wanted to 'Shake Things Up' with 'Accidental Racist'

Originally posted 04/09/2013 04:25PM

LL Cool J is glad you're talking about his controversial duet, "Accidental Racist," with Brad Paisley.

That means he's doing his job.

"Music is about ... connecting different people, and building bridges and breaking the rules," the rapper tells CNN. "If it's not compelling, and it's not complex and it's not interesting, then what are we doing it for? So I think that's the right move."

"I needed to do something that was going to be interesting like that, and shake things up, and jump out of the box," he said. "I'm really proud of it, and I hope the world hears it and enjoys it."

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'Accidental Racist' Goes Viral – Brad Paisley Defends His Duet | Brad Paisley, LL Cool J

Brad Paisley Defends Controversial 'Accidental Racist' Duet with LL Cool J

Originally posted 04/09/2013 08:15AM

If the song was intended to get people talking, it's been a staggering success.

But Brad Paisley's "Accidental Racist," a duet with LL Cool J on his new album Wheelhouse, out Tuesday, is also hugely controversial.

Styled as a conversation between a white Southerner and a black New Yorker, the song features the two singers having a charged debate about race – and features Paisley's character walking into a coffee shop wearing a shirt with a Confederate flag on it.

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Start Following Your Favorite Country Music Stars!

Academy of Country Music Awards

Academy of Country Music Awards: Who to Follow!

Originally posted 04/06/2013 03:20PM

The Academy of Country Music Awards are going to be one heck of a show.

With Jana Kramer and her fiancé Brantley Gilbert both nominated for best new artist and Garth Brooks and George Strait performing together for the first time, country music fans are in for a treat.

But if you're not in Las Vegas, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun of ACM weekend. Before the show airs live Sunday from the MGM Grand (CBS, 8 p.m.) keep up with the country stars on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! Here are a few of our favorite socially minded singers:

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How Brad Paisley Broke the Rules at a Black Tie Ball | Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley on Injuries and BBQs

Originally posted 04/05/2013 07:15PM

Brad Paisley, 40, has a new album, Wheelhouse, out April 9. This week he talks "one last thing" with PEOPLE:

Last injury I sustained
I was barefoot and stubbed my toe on a door frame. My foot looked horrible; I probably broke a couple of toes. I hobbled around for a few days but didn't go to the doctor. I just figured it would get better on its own.

Last barbecue I threw
We had one in California [last time we were there]. But I don't grill. I can figure it out, but I usually leave that up to my wife [Kimberly Williams-Paisley]. She'd love for me to take the reins, but it's not my strong suit.

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You Won't Believe Who's Performing with Brad Paisley at the ACMs ... | Brad Paisley, John Mayer

Academy of Country Music Awards

John Mayer Performing with Brad Paisley at ACM Awards

Originally posted 04/05/2013 11:45AM

John Mayer has found a new partner – on stage, that is.

The musician, who split from Katy Perry last month, will perform with Brad Paisley at the Academy of Country Music Awards this Sunday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, PEOPLE learns exclusively.

Fellow performers for country's big night include Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, Jewel, George Strait, Stevie Wonder, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Pistol Annies and The Band Perry.

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What's Taylor Swift Going to Do in Las Vegas? | Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood to Perform at ACM Awards

Originally posted 03/18/2013 11:10AM

It turns out Taylor Swift is getting back together – with the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Named entertainer of the year in 2012, the singer and multiple nominee is returning for this year's show as a performer, joining Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw.

Little Big Town and Eric Church also will perform, along with previously announced performers Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson and a fan jam headlined by Brad Paisley.

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Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Katy Perry & More Set for Kids' Inaugural Concert

Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Katy Perry & More Set for Kids' Inaugural Concert

Originally posted 01/11/2013 10:30AM

Talk about a lot of talent in one place!

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Friday that Usher, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley and Katy Perry will be performing for the Kids' Inaugural and official inaugural balls in Washington, D.C., to celebrate President Barack Obama's being sworn in for a second term.

The kids' concert (Jan. 19) continues a tradition started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Dr. Jill Biden, four years ago during the President's first inaugural celebration.

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Brad Paisley Performs an Ode to Honey Boo Boo

Originally posted 01/10/2013 03:30PM



Brad Paisley is a Grammy winner and country superstar – but the singer's latest tune just might be his most memorable.

The musician, 40, stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week to perform the little number, titled none other than "The Ballad of Honey Boo Boo," dedicated to the TLC reality show about 7-year-old star Alana Thompson and her family.

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