On February 14, beneath the sacred wooden rafters of the Ryman Auditorium, Clint Black did more than perform a concert. He launched a tour. He celebrated family. And he reminded a packed Nashville crowd why three decades into his career, he remains one of country music’s most enduring figures. The Valentine’s Day show marked the third night of the Back on the Blacktop Tour’s kickoff at the Ryman, with more than 40 dates scheduled across North America through 2026. But inside the Mother Church of Country Music, it did not feel like night three of anything. It felt singular. Intentional. Special. For me, it was personal. It was my first time ever inside the Ryman. Even more meaningful, I shared it with my sister, who had never been either. She does not consider herself a country music fan, yet by the end of the evening, even she was captivated. That is the thing about Clint Black. His appeal stretches beyond genre. It rests in presence.
A Confident Beginning
Opening the evening was rising country artist Cody Lohden, who is preparing to support ERNEST on his upcoming tour. Lohden delivered a poised, energetic set that balanced contemporary country with traditional storytelling. He even shared his unreleased “Camels in the Console,” cowritten with Nick Boyd, who accompanied him on stage for the song, Brock Phillips and Rian Ball. This song will appear on his debut record. Cody is proving he is an artist to watch!
Charm, Craft, and a Crowd That Adored Him
When Clint Black stepped onto the stage, he emerged from the darkness setting the tone with a bluesy harmonica number. Black dazzled with effortless charm and unmistakable stage command. His vocals were strong and steady, his storytelling natural, his delivery relaxed and fun. Backed by his exceptional band, he moved seamlessly between beloved hits and reflective moments, reminding the audience why his endured has endured all these years. He was clearly having fun and his stories and charm had us all enamored.
A Father’s Pride, A Daughter’s Voice
An emotional centerpiece of the evening arrived when Black welcomed his daughter, Lily Pearl Black, to the stage. Her rendition of “Cry Pretty” by Carrie Underwood was stunning. Lily Pearl’s voice is powerful and soulful, filling the Ryman with depth and control well beyond her years. But perhaps the sweetest moment was watching Clint Black watch his daughter sing. The pride in his eyes was unmistakable. In that instant, the Ryman felt less like a legendary venue and more like a living room filled with family.
Love on Stage
As a special Valentine’s Day surprise, Black also brought out his wife, Lisa Hartman Black. The trio shared the stage in a set that blended harmony with heart. Their chemistry was effortless and their connection authentic. It did not feel staged for effect. It felt lived in. It was so clear that love of music, love of family and the love of a career that has spanned decades and continues to evolve, was present on that stage as they sang together.
A First Ryman I Will Never Forget
For my sister and me, there could not have been a better introduction to the Ryman. The pews hum with history. The acoustics wrap around you. The room demands presence. Clint Black delivered exactly that. Clint Black is set to continue on with over 40 North American dates ahead, and this kickoff at the Ryman set a high bar. It was polished but personal. Legendary yet intimate. For a first night at the Mother Church of Country Music, it was everything I hoped it would be. And for Clint Black, it was a reminder that some artists do not simply endure. They deepen.
If this Valentine’s performance is any indication, the road ahead for this tour is paved not just with nostalgia, but with heart…