President and Partner of Double Tone Music Group Paul Roper passed away on Tuesday (December 17) after a battle with cancer. Roper is 45 years old.
Nashville-based Dualtone Music Group said in a statement: “Paul’s vision and unwavering commitment will continue to define the heart and soul of Dualtone. He leads Dualtone and his music business with dedication, authenticity, humor and kindness. team and he will be greatly missed by all of us… Paul Roper’s kindness, integrity and love of music will continue to inspire us all.
A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South, Roper joined Dualtone Music Group as an intern in 2002 and was later promoted to president and partner. He has also been instrumental in signing artists and overseeing the release of over 200 albums, supporting projects such as The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, Brett Dennen, Wilder Woods, Guy Clark, June, and more . Many of these albums and artists have received American Music Award and Grammy Award nominations and trophies.
In 2022, Roper was named to Billboard’s annual Independent Power Players executive list.
The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites said in a statement, “When we started touring in a 15-passenger van, we would often park at venues and wait for our pick-up time. We didn’t have the money to stay in a hotel, so we would usually split the food. Barbie Sandwiches or Cliff Bar. I will never forget Paul Roper showing up in the parking lot behind the Nashville venue and greeting us with beers and pizza. It was just a small gesture on his part, but. But it was a big move for us. I’ll never forget it.
Roper is survived by his wife and four children. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corner to Corner in memory of Roper.
