You’re Hired! Donald Trump Talks Up Clint Black

Clint Black photo courtesy of Equity Music Group

Feb. 26, 2009 — Clint Black is one of the participants in this year’s edition of "The Celebrity Apprentice," which debuts Sunday on NBC, and it appears Clint may have a bit of an advantage in the contest. As the owner of a music publishing company and an investor in Equity Records, which launched the career of Little Big Town, he’s had his fair share of meetings and seen more than one balance sheet.

That’s part of what made him an appealing candidate for "Apprentice."

"Clint is not only a gifted musician and songwriter, but he’s a good businessman," Donald Trump writes on his TrumpUniversity.com blog. "He has his own record company and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. He’s bringing a lot of talent to the boardroom."

"As any successful musician can tell you," the Donald added, "it's a lot easier to fall out of the spotlight than it is to climb into it, which is why Clint Black was especially smart to secure his future with the establishment of Equity Music Group."

Clint’s participating in "Apprentice" to raise money for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Rett Syndrome is a genetically founded neurological disease that was largely unknown before the Internet age. Clint’s niece, Cortney, died from the ailment, and he hopes to raise awareness of the cause and money for a cure.

Others in the 2009 season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" include Joan Rivers, R&B singer Brian McKnight, comedian Andrew Dice Clay, skater Scott Hamilton and controversial basketball star Dennis Rodman. A YouTube posting, embedded at Defamer.com, features a video of Dennis giving Clint a verbal tongue-lashing and walking out, leaving Clint completely bewildered. The setting and the cause for Dennis’ anger are not clear from the clip. It’s also unknown when the season will feature that footage.