Paul Roper, widely respected chairman of Dualtone Music Group, passed away on Tuesday (December 17) after a courageous battle with cancer.
Roper is survived by his wife and four children.
“His loss will be deeply felt by his family, colleagues, artists, the Nashville music community, and the music industry at large,” MNRK, the parent company of Dualtone Music Group, said in a statement this week.
Roper joined Dualtone Music Group as an intern in 2002 and quickly became a “driving force” within the label, rising to president and partner.
He has been instrumental in signing and releasing over 200 albums, winning an Americana Music Association award, receiving multiple Grammy Award nominations, and winning four Grammy Awards.
Roper is a member of The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Mt. He has championed acclaimed albums by Joy, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, Flipturn, Brett Dennen, Langhorne Slim, Wilder Woods, Guy Clark, Chuck Berry, Mouse Rat, June Carter Cash, and more. Someone else.
He is a proud graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South.
MNRK described Roper as “a trailblazer and trailblazer in the musical space they call Amerikinda, celebrating great songwriting in a variety of genres.”
MNRK adds: “Known as a tireless advocate for artists, Paul believed that the creative process and music always came first. “His passion for nurturing both emerging and established voices will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers paid tribute to Roper: “When we started touring in a 15-passenger van, we would park at the venue and wait until it was time to board.
“We didn’t have money for a hotel and would usually split Subway sandwiches or Clif Bars. I’ll never forget the time Paul Roper showed up in the parking lot behind our Nashville venue and met us with beer and pizza. It was a small action on his part, but a huge one for us. I will never forget that.”
MNRK added that under Roper’s leadership, “the label has thrived, earning a reputation as a trusted partner to artists and a leader in indie music.”
After the 2020 East Nashville tornadoes, Roper reflected: “The spirit of this company has always been bigger than any person or place. We made many great memories in that building. But the core of Dualtone is the music, artists, staff, and community. No storm can take that away.”
“Paul Roper’s legacy of kindness, integrity and deep love of music will continue to inspire us all.”
MNRK added: “Paul’s vision and unwavering commitment continue to define the heart and soul of Dualtone. He led Dualtone and his team with dedication, authenticity, humor and kindness, and we will all miss him dearly.
“Paul Roper’s legacy of kindness, integrity and deep love of music will continue to inspire us all.”
Paul Roper’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Corner to Corner in his memory.worldwide music business
