Brad Paisley Receives ‘Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award’

Not just a man with great music, but also a man with a big heart.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Grammy winner Brad Paisley has another to add to his all-encompassing collection of accolades. This time, it has nothing to do with his music, but his heart. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital honored country music superstar Brad Paisley with the prestigious ‘Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award’. ALABAMA frontman and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, Randy Owen, presented the award to Paisley on Saturday, January 13 at The Peabody Memphis.

Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award

This coveted award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the hospital through their humanitarian spirit and unique commitment.

This recognition places Paisley among the ranks of five past recipients. These include Alabama frontman and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, Randy Owen (for whom the award is named). Other recipients are country music artists John Rich and Darius Rucker.

In addition, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee, and St. Jude advisory Country Cares Advisory Council member Sharon Eaves were posthumously awarded.

Paisley as a Supporter

This West Virginian native is a long-standing supporter of the heroic mission of St. Jude. In 2011, Paisley recorded “One of those lives”, a song inspired by the courageous patients and families of St. Jude. In addition, Paisley donated a family gathering room to St. Jude Target House, called ‘The Brad Paisley Lodge’. This is a room where St. Jude patients and families enjoy themselves while in the area. It includes a pool table, Guitar Hero gaming system, TVs, and a fireplace.

“This is the kind of place that changes you. It refocuses what’s important in life, immediately, the moment you walk through the doors. And it’s all because of him.”

Paisley exclaimed onstage while pointing to Owen. He continued,

“…that all of us, in this line of work, have anything to do with this place.”

President and CEO of ALSAC Richard Shadyac Jr. said,

“We are proud to honor Brad Paisley with this recognition. His unwavering passion, service and generosity are truly inspiring. Over the years, he has made a significant difference in the lives of patients and families at St. Jude.”

He went on and said,

“This recognition is a testament to Brad Paisley’s strong advocacy for ST. Jude, and the ongoing fight for children with cancer and the other life-threatening diseases. And this honor for Brad also reflects the strength of the entire country music industry…”

After accepting his award Paisley and Owen traded songs for the annual songwriter’s night banquet that closes Country Cares.

^{Randy Owen presents the ‘Angel Among Us’ Award to Brad Paisley at The Peabody Memphis, Saturday, Jan. 13. (Photo Credits: looktothestars.org)}