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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBLACK, Clint(b 4 Feb. '62, Long Branch NJ) Country singer and former construction worker who came to prominence with self-penned 'Better Man', no.1 country hit '89. Family all Texans, grew up in Houston; played guitar and harmonica in older brother's band as teenager; linked with fellow Texan Hayden Nicholas to form bar band '81--8; demos reached ZZ Top manager Bill Ham, who became Black's manager. Signed to RCA '88, prod. Killin' Time album of all original material in hard country style, first four singles all no. ones. Rivalry with Garth Brooks, whose career started at the same time, but Black retained a straight country identity. Second album Put Yourself In My Place '90 was another huge hit. Management disagreement with Ham led to two-year studio hiatus except for a duet with Roy Rogers, 'Hold On Partner'. Third album The Hard Way '92 followed marriage to actress Lisa Hartman and was his third platinum release. Named CMA Male Vocalist '90. Put together an ambitious tour '92, playing 150 dates before 1.5 million with $250,000 stage set. 'Desperado' from Eagles' tribute album Common Thread was a hit single, duet with Wynona 'A Bad Goodbye' and solo hit 'When My Ship Comes In', all '93; other albums incl. No Time To Kill '93, One Emotion '94. |