Clint Black has been part of the fabric of country music for over three decades, having released his debut album, Killin’ Time, in 1989. He’s now reflecting on that journey in a new memoir, aptly named after that first album and titled KILLIN’ TIME: My Life and Music.
Set for release on May 19, 2026, the country music icon’s book will examine his journey from his childhood on the outskirts of Houston to becoming a country music star. “I couldn’t be more excited to share this book with my fans,” Black told PEOPLE. “I dug deep to recall the most poignant moments in my life to recreate the events that shaped who I am as a singer-songwriter, husband and father. Can’t wait for it to hit the shelves!”
KILLIN’ TIME will include reflections on Black’s life, musical collaborations and his family and all the highs and lows that he’s gone through. Those include his decision to drop out of high school to pursue his music career, founding his own record label, his 34-year marriage to wife Lisa Hartman Black, a near-death experience as a child and a recent cervical spine injury, among other stories.
“This is the story of a dreamer with a persistent soul. After ten years of playing clubs in Texas, I never knew if I’d get the chance to record my music in Nashville. And then, in one year, my life changed forever,” Black reflected in a statement to Music Mayhem. “If my story—this crazy, 40-year rollercoaster ride, can inspire that young singer-songwriter rinsing and repeating every day, or reinforce the person struggling through a seemingly endless grind in the pursuit of a dream, well, then, I’ll know my life has made a difference.”
The deal was negotiated by Lisa Sharkey, SVP and Publisher of Harper Influence, along with Steve Troha and Jeff Kleinman of Folio Literary Agency. The book is being edited by Editor Maddie Pillari.
Harper Influence Publisher Lisa Sharkey says, “Clint Black is part of the fabric of America. An icon in the world of Country music, Clint’s talent spans nearly 40 years of our culture. His tough Texas upbringing and his rise to the pinnacle of his craft, coupled with his love story with wife and actress Lisa Hartman will leave you with a new appreciation for this extraordinary man and his music.”
Maddie Pillari, Editor, added, “This is more than a musician’s memoir; it’s the definitive account of a transformative era in country music.”
Clint Black was part of country music’s iconic Class of 1989, which also includes Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt. Black hit No. 1 on the country charts with five consecutive singles from Killin’ Time, which was certified 3x Platinum. His next album, Put Yourself in My Shoes, was also triple platinum, and he continued with a number of platinum and gold albums throughout the ’90s. He earned 22 No. 1 and 31 Top 10 singles and wrote or co-wrote all of his over three dozen chart hits.
The 63-year-old has won a GRAMMY, an American Music Award, multiple CMA Awards and multiple ACM Awards. He was named the 2025 BMI Icon and has been awarded stars on both the Music City Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition to his musical career, Black has appeared in several movies and television shows and hosted Talking in Circles with Clint Black, which ran for over five seasons on Circle Network.
