Killin’ Time: My Life and Music

by Clint Black

Killin’ Time has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Memoir

Audible Audio

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Clint Black is an American singer, songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and actor. Black was raised in Katy, Texas. He is married to actress Lisa Hartman. They have one daughter born in 2002.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid musician’s memoir. I know Clint Black’s music, but I didn't know anything about his background. It is not surprising that a gifted songwriter is also a great storyteller. This book keeps the reader entertained. Each chapter is the title of a Clint Black song with a few lines of lyrics. The early chapters about his childhood and his pre-Nashville music career as a struggling artist are the highlights of this well-written book. This book obviously will appeal to Clint Black fans but also music fans in general who enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at the music industry.

[Glen Asbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book by one of my favorite country singers. Clint writes like he talks…low-key, warm, funny and informative. Very easy read, and also fascinating story.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never liked country music growing up - but when I went to college I was introduced to Clint Black's Killing time cassette tape (LOL) and for some reason I just loved it!!( Edited to add - It was the A time to kill tape) I used to pop it in my walkman and hit the stairmaster and that album was such a good listen, it's still a favorite!! I really didn't know too much about him through the years, except he did marry Lisa Hartman and I was such a Knots Landing fan growing up!! I really enjoyed this narration by Clint himself!

This memoir was a nice look into how he made it in the music industry. He was the ultimate as a singer and songwriter, and was glad to hear he was able to fight for his own music and put out most of his own stuff....even when opposed by his label. I find it so interesting to follow along as musicians have to navigate an industry that is run by what they think sells in the moment, or greasing hands in the back or whatever other sleazy practices they can do to make more money. So many talented artists selling their soul and identity to get in the business...even years after being established. This is one guy who took it all in stride, stood his ground - and in the end still seems to enjoy how it all turned out!

[Melissa Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, mostly about his music career. He does speak some about his childhood and later about Lisa and Lily Pearl. It’s got some good stories sprinkled throughout the book. I didn’t realize how many number one hits he has. He does a good job reading the audiobook.

[Gracie Bucklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love listening to memoirs because most of the time they’re read by the author— making the story even more personal. Clint is a good story teller and I loved learning about his upbringing and the meaning/process of making some of my favorite Clint Black songs. A wholesome listen/read from the start to finish, he’s been humble since the beginning. 5 stars!

[Jeff Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting dive into Clint Black's career. I listened to his music growing up and got to see him on Apprentice years back. Honestly, he seems to love the celebrity that came with his early success, but does not seem to care for his fans (he talks negatively about his interactions with them at shows if he ever mentions them at all in this book). He continuously entered into contracts with business managers, producers, etc. only for them to be labeled the bad guy and Clint, somehow, the good guy who was taken advantage of. He seems to think much higher of himself than records show (IE that he was somehow ushering in Neo-traditional country music while George Strait, Randy Travis and others had been running that movement for 10+ years before he showed up). Clint Black had a great, albiet, relatively short commercial/radio career, and I think this book makes it clear that he is difficult to work with. He seems self-important at times, but my favorite parts of the book is how he talks about being a father and husband (despite inviting the press to his wedding, which is, again, his love for the 'celebrity' that he earned). Would I pick it up again? No. Do I have a better view of Clint Black before I read this? No.

[Lerrise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killin' Time is a story written and narrated by a gentleman musician, Clint Black. I'm not familiar with Black's music, but do love celebrity autobiographies. This one stands out for taking the high road while telling the truth about the difficulties of being within, and surviving, the music business. The author never resorts or relies upon foul language, gossip, or needlessly trashing anyone's character to tell his story. I also suspect that because Clint Black is a gentleman and doesn't gossip, this accounts for the book being a relatively short and quick read (or listen). A must read for his fans.

[DeWayne Neel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a joy to read about the life of Clint, a life lived with standards not usually found in the music business. As with most in the business, he paid his dues on the way to one of the best. He had standards for his music, writing his own, as well as the standards of those who worked with him. His commitment to family is to be commended. A very relaxing read, with much detail of the workings of the music industry.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Narrated by the author, which was very good. I was never a big fan of Clint’s music. I didn’t dislike it. It just was never one of my favorites. However, this book was very good. It was very short and sweet. You can tell he’s very devoted husband and father. You can also tell that he truly loves being a musician and artist. It was very interesting to hear a little bit about his childhood and some of the ups and downs in his musical career.

[Tatrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes reading a memoir makes you like the person less. This one made me like him more. I hope one day my husband speaks about me the way he speaks about his wife. It is a testament to how much he loves her and how wonderful their relationship and the family that they have created together means to them both.

[Koren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think you have to be a fan of this country music singer to like this book. It is mostly about his career and not much personal information, but I think that's because he is just as wholesome as he seems. He's just the typical southern country boy. I listened to this on audio, so that was nice to hear his voice, but there just wasn't enough excitement in this book to keep me interested.

[Shelia Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

If you're a Clint Black fan this book gives you just what you would expect. Down to earth honest account of his life. I enjoyed reading it and better understanding his rise to fame and struggles along the way. He was "A Better Man".

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about country superstar Clint Black. Very detailed about his childhood and how he became a songwriter and singer. Surprised to learn he didn't finish high school. Really good book, totally recommend.

[John Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a life!

We tend to assume that artists have an easy road to travel on their way to success, but Clint reveals not only how difficult life can
be, but how difficult the music industry is. An entertaining and engaging read from my favorite country artist.

[Sandra Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Loved reading Clint’s story of his rise to stardom! I couldn’t put it down!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant read! A celebrity who is hard working, has morals and ethics, and doesn't take himself too seriously - how refreshing.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Huge fan! His struggles with his singing career to family life. Highly recommend especially if you're a country music fan. Well written.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great on audio!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

His songs are great storytelling and turns out his life is, too.

[Amber Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Neil White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. Gives some good insight in Clint Black's career and stuggles with the recording industry despite his phenomenal success in the late 80s and 90s.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who ha grown up listening to Clint’s music, this was an interesting read. I enjoyed getting to know his story behind the music.

[Ashley]

I enjoyed this, listened to it read by him.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a country music lover, I enjoyed this book a lot!

[Jeff Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting dive into Clint Black's career. I listened to his music growing up and got to see him on Apprentice years back. Honestly, he seems to love the celebrity that came with his early success, but does not seem to care for his fans (he talks negatively about his interactions with them at shows if he ever mentions them at all in this book). He continuously entered into contracts with business managers, producers, etc. only for them to be labeled the bad guy and Clint, somehow, the good guy who was taken advantage of. He seems to think much higher of himself than records show (IE that he was somehow ushering in Neo-traditional country music while George Strait, Randy Travis and others had been running that movement for 10+ years before he showed up). Clint Black had a great, albiet, relatively short commercial/radio career, and I think this book makes it clear that he is difficult to work with. He seems self-important at times, but my favorite parts of the book is how he talks about being a father and husband (despite inviting the press to his wedding, which is, again, his love for the 'celebrity' that he earned). Would I pick it up again? No. Do I have a better view of Clint Black before I read this? No.