Killin' Time
My Life and Music
Will be published approx. on 2. July 2026
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-0-06-342967-3 (ISBN)
Description
The long-awaited memoir from country music legend, Clint Black-a raw, intimate, and unflinching story that traces his rise from struggling songwriter to chart-topping superstar and enduring music legend.
Over twenty million records sold. Twenty-two number one career singles. 31 top ten singles. Nearly two dozen gold and platinum awards. Countless CMA and ACM awards. A Grammy Award. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When it comes to modern music, few artists have had a bigger or more lasting impact than Clint Black. Since bursting onto the country music scene in 1989 with Killin' Time-the triple-platinum debut that delivered five consecutive number one singles-Black has built a genre-defining career spanning nearly four decades. Having written the soundtrack of a generation, Clint now puts pen to paper to write, for the first time, the story of the man behind the music.
In his long-awaited memoir, Black shares the unfiltered, extraordinary account of his journey from a kid with a dream on the outskirts of Houston to a country music legend. From his near-death experiences as a young boy, to his decision to drop out of high school to pursue music, to countless years struggling as an unknown young artist, playing at any nightclub or hotel bar that would have him, Black's path to success had more twists than the Texas two-step.
Once fame hit and the stakes got higher, Black didn't let the pressure of big crowds, big money, or big labels steer him off course. By writing from the heart and sticking to his guns, he built a legacy on his own terms. These values proved to be Black's north star navigating superstardom, including a difficult lawsuit against his ex-manager, Bill Ham; subsequently founding his own record label; recording with heroes such as Jimmy Buffett, Merle Haggard, and Eric Idle; his whirlwind romance and everlasting marriage with actress Lisa Hartman Black; and most recently, a critical issue with a cervical spine injury, which threatened the very thing that made him a star: his voice.
With vivid, deeply personal stories-all told with Black's signature charm-he recounts how his steadfast dedication to his beliefs and his passion for music led him to success after success, and through storm after storm. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Killin' Time is a revelatory and rare glimpse of the iconic life and career of a once in a generation talent.
Killin' Time includes a 16-page color photo insert.
Over twenty million records sold. Twenty-two number one career singles. 31 top ten singles. Nearly two dozen gold and platinum awards. Countless CMA and ACM awards. A Grammy Award. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When it comes to modern music, few artists have had a bigger or more lasting impact than Clint Black. Since bursting onto the country music scene in 1989 with Killin' Time-the triple-platinum debut that delivered five consecutive number one singles-Black has built a genre-defining career spanning nearly four decades. Having written the soundtrack of a generation, Clint now puts pen to paper to write, for the first time, the story of the man behind the music.
In his long-awaited memoir, Black shares the unfiltered, extraordinary account of his journey from a kid with a dream on the outskirts of Houston to a country music legend. From his near-death experiences as a young boy, to his decision to drop out of high school to pursue music, to countless years struggling as an unknown young artist, playing at any nightclub or hotel bar that would have him, Black's path to success had more twists than the Texas two-step.
Once fame hit and the stakes got higher, Black didn't let the pressure of big crowds, big money, or big labels steer him off course. By writing from the heart and sticking to his guns, he built a legacy on his own terms. These values proved to be Black's north star navigating superstardom, including a difficult lawsuit against his ex-manager, Bill Ham; subsequently founding his own record label; recording with heroes such as Jimmy Buffett, Merle Haggard, and Eric Idle; his whirlwind romance and everlasting marriage with actress Lisa Hartman Black; and most recently, a critical issue with a cervical spine injury, which threatened the very thing that made him a star: his voice.
With vivid, deeply personal stories-all told with Black's signature charm-he recounts how his steadfast dedication to his beliefs and his passion for music led him to success after success, and through storm after storm. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Killin' Time is a revelatory and rare glimpse of the iconic life and career of a once in a generation talent.
Killin' Time includes a 16-page color photo insert.
Reviews / Votes
"It has always enraged me that Clint Black is an iconic musician and also really funny. Like the man himself, this book is witty, warm, unapologetically honest, and weighs about two pounds soaking wet." - Conan O'Brien"Clint Black's charming, low-key exterior hides not only a wicked sense of humor but a hardcore work ethic. His book is a story of making it the old-fashioned way: talent, guts, determination, and most importantly a beautiful soul. It's a read that will remind you that good guys can finish first." - Patricia Heaton
"Clint Black started a whole new era of country music. As much as some have tried to copy his style, it hasn't happened. In Killin' Time, you'll read the story of his voice, humor, family, and the amazing songs of a true classic." - Billy Bob Thornton
"I don't know that I've ever been so nervous as I was the first time I met Clint Black. But he didn't tackle me once! He's kind and thoughtful, and you'll see from the stories in his book why he's also a country legend. I'm proud to call him my friend." - Terry Bradshaw
"I've interviewed Clint more times than I can count. That said, I still walked away from this book learning new things about him. The stories behind the songs, the struggles, and the wins make it a must-read for anyone who loves country music and great storytelling." - Bobby Bones
"Clint is a masterful storyteller. Finally, something he does well. But it would be a lot better if he put some music to it." - Kevin Nealon
"A humble, caring persona shines through, inviting readers to maintain equanimity as they overcome struggles and savor life's serendipities." - Library Journal
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
463 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-342967-3 (9780063429673)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Clint Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of 1989, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut, Killin' Time. He followed that with the triple-platinum Put Yourself in My Shoes, and then a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the 1990s. Perhaps most impressively, Clint wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 and 31 top ten singles, making him one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era. Clint has sold over 20 million records, earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the US and Canada, landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, and earned a star on both the Music City and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.