Appreciating The Musical Mastery & Mega Hits Of Country’s Clint Black
on Feb 03, 2016
Clint Black grew up surrounded by music in his home and developed a passion for it that would eventually lead to a successful country music career.
Born on February 4, 1962 in Long Branch, New Jersey, Black was primarily raised in Katy, Texas. Before he was even 13 years old, Black had already taught himself how play the harmonica, wrote his first song a year later, and learned how to play guitar a year after that.
While he was still a teen, Black teamed up with his older brothers to form a small band, and together the four boys performed during Saturday backyard barbecues.
As Black grew older and continued to pursue a music career, he found himself drawn to the country genre. He took off on his own to attempt a career as a solo artist, supporting himself as a construction worker, bait cutter, and fishing guide in the meantime.
Eventually, Black generated enough attention that he was invited to sign with a label, and released his first album, Killin’ Time in 1989, which produced five straight number one hits.
Since then, Black has had more than 30 singles appear on the Billboard charts throughout his career. He is still active in performing and recording, and even appeared on an episode of ACM Superstar Duets with Joe Nichols in 2015.
In honor of Black’s 54th birthday, we’ve gathered up some of the many incredible songs he’s recorded throughout the years.
“Killin’ Time”
Released in 1989 as the second single from his debut album of the same title, “Killin’ Time” was Black’s second number one hit. The song was also a major hit in Canada, peaking at the top spot on the country charts there as well.
At the end of the year, Billboard‘s year-end charts revealed that “Killin’ Time” was the second best country song of 1989, with Black’s other single, “A Better Man” claiming the top spot.
Although the song did not win any awards itself, it played a part in helping Black win some others. During the 1989 ACM Awards, Black took home the trophies for Album of the Year, Top Male Vocalist, and Top New Male Vocalist.
With “Killin’ Time’ Black proved right out of the gate that he had the skill and talent to make it in the country music industry.
“When I Said I Do”
Yet another number one hit of Black’s, “When I Said I Do” was written by Black himself and released as a duet with his wife, Lisa Hartman Black in 1999. Once again, Black’s song was also a number one hit in Canada following its release.
In addition to making a mark on the country charts, “When I Said I Do” crossed over to the pop charts to claim the 31st spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Black and his wife were awarded the ACM Award for Vocal Event of the Year for their performance of the song, which has since become a classic tune played at weddings across the country.
With “When I Said I Do,” Black not only proved his talents as a singer, but a songwriter as well, and the song is now considered a classic.
“Like the Rain”
Another one of Black’s many number one singles, “Like the Rain” was co-written by Black and Hayden Nicholas as a new track to be included on Black’s Greatest Hits album in 1996.
Black was able to celebrate a major career milestone thanks to “Like the Rain,” when it became his tenth number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. After the song made its way to the top of the charts, it stayed in that spot for a total of three weeks.
“Like the Rain” earned Black a Grammy nomination in 1997 for Best Male Country Vocal performance, but Vince Gill ended up taking home the award for his performance of “Worlds Apart” instead.
Over ten years after the song’s release, Black made the decision to record it again for his 2007 compilation album, Love Songs.
“Like the Rain” goes to show that even years after his songs’ initial release dates, Black’s music still finds a way to connect with the country music audience.
There is no ignoring or denying the crucial role that Black has played in country music. Thanks to his mastery as a singer and songwriter, so many people have been exposed to some of the best country music has to offer.
As the years go by, we can’t wait to see what else Black is able to accomplish!
