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Black soon signed with RCA Records, at that time considered one of the " most aggressive " labels in country music.

His first album, Killin ' Time, was released in 1989.

Each song on the album was penned at least in part by Black ; four of them were attributed solely to him, while the rest were collaborations with Nicholas.

In a departure from most other country albums, Black used his road band instead of session musicians to record Killin ' Time.

The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart and certified platinum in 1990.

The first single, " A Better Man ", reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs in early June.

This marked the first time in 14 years that a debut single by a male artist had peaked at the top of the chart.

In total, five singles off of his debut album reached number one, the first time any country artist had accomplished this feat.

Black won the Country Music Association's Horizon Award for best newcomer in 1989.

At the end of the year, his singles, " A Better Man " and " Killin ' Time " place number one and number two on the year-end country singles charts.

It had been 36 years since another artist had claimed both top spots in a single year.

Looking back at the early stages of his career, Black recalled: "' At one point, I knew I crossed this line out of obscurity and I felt like no matter what happened from that point on I would always be remembered for " Killin ' Time.

" There was this kind of mixed feeling of remorse and excitement.

'"