Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Paslay doesn't take his musical success for granted.

Eric Paslay will perform next week at the Show Me Center. (Submitted photo)

"Everything's a miracle in this business," he said during a phone interview. "I'm grateful that God has let me stick around long enough to learn something and try to be good with my music."

Paslay will perform at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau on Jan. 22 alongside country great Brad Paisley and special guest Cam for the Crushin' It World Tour.

Paslay has been in Nashville, Tennessee, for 13 years, has been a songwriter for nine years and has had a record deal for five years.

Asked what his career breakout moment was, he said, "I think today a lot of people think ... it's one thing that happens, but it's a lot of things that happen."

Cam will perform next week at the Show Me Center. (Submitted photo)

His songwriting gift is what got him started. Rascal Flatts, Jake Owen, the Eli Young Band and Love and Theft all have benefited from that gift; each has been able to boast No. 1 singles because of Paslay's ability to pen songs.

Among the positives of the business is the world has opened up for him, he said.

"I'm grateful that I can write songs, so I get to hang out with a lot of cool people," Paslay said.

Paslay has received many awards and accolades, not the least of which is his Grammy nomination as a songwriter for "Even If It Breaks Your Heart," performed by the Eli Young Band. Though he did not win the big prize, he said "it was cool" to be nominated.

He did win the Triple Play Award, which the Academy of Country Music gives to those who have written three No. 1 songs in a year. He won for "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" and "Angel Eyes."

Cam will perform next week at the Show Me Center. (Submitted photo)

Paslay recently was nominated for another Grammy -- his first as a recording artist. He is up for the Best Country Duo/Group category for "The Driver," performed by Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and featuring Paslay and Dierks Bentley. The Grammy Awards ceremony will be Feb. 15.

Paslay said he keeps the success he has enjoyed in perspective.

"I have gotten awards, which is awesome, but the biggest thing is I get to use my gifts for good," he said. "I haven't released anything I've been ashamed to sing."

The music business affords him the opportunity to make a career doing what he loves.

"You can make a living playing music. That's pretty wild," he said. Though he acknowledged the "business can be frustrating," he focused on the fact "the coolest thing is we can make a living playing music for people. It really is wild."

Looking ahead to the Crushin' It World Tour stop in Cape Girardeau on Jan. 22, Paslay said, "Brad [Paisley] is amazing," as is his band, "and Cam is just awesome."

The lights and the selections Paslay will share from his sophomore album coming out later this year will thrill the audience, he promised.

"I might have a special guest come out, too," he said, hinting at a surprise.

Paslay is just as excited to see the concert as those who plan to attend.

"I can't wait to go watch the show," he said. "I'm sure everyone will see we're all there together having a great time."

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Show Me Center. Tickets are from $45 to $65; visit showmecenter.biz or call (573) 651-5000.

Pertinent address:

Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, Mo.