If you like biographies, especially autobiographies, about popular musical artists or bands, I recommend Clint Black’s memoir, Killin’ Time: My Life and Music. It is a raw, unflinching story of the man behind the music.
One thing that inspires me as I read about these now-famous artists is the amount of struggle and unfavorable circumstances they had to overcome to get where they are today.
The youngest of four brothers, Black was raised in a working-class family outside of Houston, Texas. A family friend gave him a Hohner Marine Band harmonica when he was 13, and a musician was born. Teaching himself the harmonica by listening to blues recordings and other albums, Black then became proficient on the guitar, bass, and drums. His parents gave him his first quality guitar, a Gibson J-40 acoustic, when he was around 15. He joined his brother Kevin’s band on the bass at the age of 16 and performed in clubs at the age of 18. Eventually, he would go out on his own, often playing in two clubs a day.
In October of 1987, ZZ Top’s manager, Bill Ham of Lone Wolf Management, signed Black as his first country. This turned out to be both a blessing and a curse. Black then signed a record deal with RCA in March 1988, and his debut album, Killin’ Time, set new precedents for success in the industry. In 1990, Black received four Academy of Country Music Awards for the album, which he wrote or co-wrote in its entirety and recorded with his road band and rookie producer James Stroud in Houston. Six months later, Black won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. He also became the first new artist to generate five consecutive #1s on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Several things that stood out to me while reading this memoir: First, as a teenager, he “accidentally” got arrested and spent nine days in jail. This is where Black states he encountered his first experience with an agent.
Secondly, sadly, as sometimes happens with young artists, Black got taken advantage of by an unscrupulous manager. Though he was producing number-one hits and touring relentlessly, he initially made very little money.
At the height of his fame, Black rejected many of fame’s cliches, including his status as one of America’s most desirable bachelors. He married actress Lisa Hartman in 1991. They have been together for more than 30 years. I was also impressed by how he took time off to be with his daughter, Lily Pearl, as she grew up.
Lily stated, “The book is so well written. I learned so much about my dad that I didn’t know.”
If you love a music biography, Killin’ Time: My Life and Musicis for you. If you love a sweet romance, this book is for you. If you want to pursue music as a career, this book is a good lesson on what to do and not do.
In 2023, Black was honored with the prestigious ACM Poet’s Award at the 16th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors, and in 2025, about 50 years after receiving his first harmonica, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) bestowed its prestigious Icon Award on Black in recognition of his “unique and indelible influence on music makers across generations.”
During the week of his book release, Black will appear on NBC TODAY (May 18), The Kelly Clarkson Show (May 22), and Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with Parnassus Books on May 23rd.
Clint Black remains one of the hardest-working entertainers in Nashville as he and Lisa produced a film for the Lifetime channel, “When I Said I Do,” which premiered at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee, on May 12th. You can see the heartfelt movie about overcoming and second chances on the Lifetime channel, beginning on May 23rd at 8/7c. See photos from the premiere here.
Not only that, Black also continues his Back on the Blacktop Tour in cities and at festivals throughout the US this summer with several dates supporting Cody Johnson. If you’ve never seen him in concert, I urge you to go. If you have seen Black perform, you will want to see him again, as his shows do not disappoint.
To pre-order the book, please visit https://www.clintblack.com/new-book.
You can follow Clint Black on his website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and all streaming platforms.
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and TikTok.
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