On May 2, 1988, Clint Black signed a record deal with RCA Records, the label that's been home to Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers and the Judds, among others. At the time, ZZ Top's manager, Bill Ham, was also steering Black's career — a lucky break that was just one example of how the Katy, Texas-raised musician's love of collaboration and hard work paved the way for his success.
Growing up, Black and his older brothers would entertain neighbors at backyard barbecues dubbed "Country Sunday on Saturday" events. The younger Black showed musical aptitude early.
"When he was about 14, I guess that's when I first noticed that he had a great voice," Black's father, GA Black, told