Clint Black is one of country music’s most recognizable names, charting 57 singles including 22 No. 1 hits. Black rose to fame in the 1990s as part of a new wave of traditional country music that included Garth Brooks, George Strait, Randy Travis and Alan Jackson. He’s always put songwriting front and center, using his music to share the lessons he’s learned in life. That includes his most recent album, 2015’s “On Purpose.”
Before performing Saturday at the Clearwater River Casino outside Lewiston, Black answered some questions for Inland 360 in an email interview, in which he talks about what it was like to star on “Celebrity Apprentice” with Donald Trump and the song that means the most to him after all these years.
360: What drew you to country music as a young man?
Black: My mom and dad listened to country music, so I was raised on it. I love rock ’n’ roll and blues and feel comfortable singing in those styles, but I’m most suited for country.
360: In your opinion, how has country music changed since the 1990s when you were one of the musicians shaking up the way things were being done?
Black: I think most of the music the big record companies promote is aimed at young people. Back then, it felt more like it was for all ages. From 1 to 100, the audience was all ages. Most of the people I hear from that grew up on country music feel left out.
360: Your career has included TV and movie roles, and you were on “Celebrity Apprentice” back in 2009. What was it like to work with Donald Trump?
Black: Donald Trump and his family were all fine. The producers of the show, though, geared everything toward discomfort for the cast; withholding food and water at times, having “problems” with air conditioning, things like that.
360: Writing your own music is incredibly important to you. Is there a song you wrote in the past that has gained greater meaning for you later in life?
Black: “When I Said I Do” has always been very meaningful because of what it represents. After 25 years of marriage (to singer and actress Lisa Hartman Black), it just keeps growing. I’m so grateful to have that snapshot of Lisa and me singing on it.
If you go
Who: Clint Black When: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 24 Where: Clearwater River Casino, outside Lewiston Cost: $20 to $65 Online: crcasino.com
