You remember that harmonica intro. It's sharp, bluesy, and instantly recognizable. When Clint Black released "Where Are You Now" back in 1991, he wasn't just another guy in a hat. He was the guy. He was out-charting everyone, winning Grammys, and basically redefining what a country superstar looked like. But then, as it often does, the radio dial turned. Newer, younger faces showed up. The stadium tours got quieter.
So, honestly, where is he?
If you're looking for Clint Black in 2026, you won't find him sitting in a rocking chair on some porch in Texas. Far from it. The man is currently in the middle of a massive career second wind that most artists would kill for. He’s not just a legacy act; he’s a multi-media brand who seems busier now than he was during the "Killin' Time" era.
Clint Black: Where Are You Now on the Charts and Stage?
Right now, the big news—the stuff fans are actually Googling—is the Back On The Blacktop Tour.
This isn't some tiny, three-city run. Black has extended this tour deep into 2026, hitting venues from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. If you've ever seen him live, you know he doesn't just phone it in. He’s still playing that lead guitar. He’s still hitting those low notes.
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The 2026 leg is a beast. He’s starting February with a three-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium (Feb 12-14), which is basically a Valentine’s Day gift to his die-hard fans. From there, he’s hitting Miami for the "Boots on the Water" cruise, then zigzagging through Georgia, Arizona, and California.
- The 35th Anniversary: January 2026 marks his 35th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
- The Documentary: To celebrate 40 years in the business, there’s a new documentary in the works chronicling his rise from the Houston club circuit to Nashville royalty.
- The Rerelease: Keep an eye out for a special edition of the Killin' Time album, featuring remastered tracks and live recordings that haven't seen the light of day since the late 80s.
The Memoir: Killin' Time (For Real This Time)
One of the biggest updates for 2026 is that Clint is officially becoming an author. His first memoir, titled "KILLIN' TIME: My Life and Music," is scheduled to hit shelves on May 19, 2026.
He didn't use a ghostwriter to just "fill in the blanks." Black has been vocal about how much he dug into his own past for this. We're talking about his "near-death" experiences as a kid in Texas, his decision to drop out of high school, and the ten long years he spent grinding in bars before anyone knew his name.
It’s easy to think these guys just woke up famous. But Black’s story is more about persistence. He spent a decade playing for tips. He told People recently that he wanted this book to inspire the "dreamers with persistent souls" who are still grinding today.
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Talking in Circles: The TV Career
If you haven't seen his show Talking in Circles with Clint Black, you’re missing out. It’s currently in its fourth season on the Circle Network.
Basically, it's just Clint sitting down with other musicians—think Marty Stuart, Peter Frampton, or Darius Rucker—and talking shop. It’s not a PR interview. It’s a "backstage" conversation. They talk about things like guitar string gauges and the specific way a certain producer captures a drum sound.
It turns out Clint is a natural interviewer. He’s curious. He’s self-deprecating. And because he’s an insider, his guests open up in a way they never would for a standard journalist.
The Family Business with Lisa and Lily Pearl
You can't talk about Clint Black without mentioning Lisa Hartman Black. They’ve been married since 1991, which in celebrity years is basically several centuries.
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They are still working together. They often perform "When I Said I Do" on tour, and their daughter, Lily Pearl Black, has officially joined the family business. Lily is a singer-songwriter in her own right, and she’s been opening for her dad on several tour dates. Seeing the three of them on stage together is a bit of a "full circle" moment for fans who remember when Lily was just a kid in the liner notes.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
There’s a reason his 2026 tour is selling out. Country music has changed a lot. It’s gotten pop-heavy, electronic, and sometimes a bit generic.
Clint Black represents that "Class of '89" sound—traditional, but with a sharp, modern edge. He writes his own songs. He plays his own instruments. He produces his own records. In an era of manufactured stars, he’s the real deal.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to catch up with Clint this year, here’s how to do it:
- Check the Tour Dates: He’s booked through May 2026. If you're in Nashville, those Ryman shows are the ones to get.
- Pre-order the Book: "KILLIN' TIME: My Life and Music" is the definitive source for his life story.
- Watch the Show: Catch Talking in Circles on the Circle Network or via their streaming apps. It's the best way to see the "real" Clint.
- Listen to "Out of Sane": His recent music shows he hasn't lost his touch. It's worth a spin before you head to a concert.
Clint Black isn't a "where are they now" mystery. He's a "look at what I'm doing now" success story. He managed to survive the fickle nature of the music industry by simply being too good to ignore and too busy to retire.