Paul Roper, the widely respected president 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 entire music industry,” 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 the “driving force” of the brand, rising to President and Partner.
He has played an integral role in the signing and release of more than 200 albums, receiving an American Music Association Award, multiple Grammy nominations and four Grammy Awards.
Roper has supported albums by The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, flipturn, Brett Dennen, Langhorne Slim, Wilder Woods, Guy Clark, Chuck Berry, Mouse Rat and June Carter Cash, among many others. .
He is a proud graduate of Southern University Sewanee.
Roper is described by MNRK as “a visionary leader and pioneer of the musical space he calls Amerikinda, celebrating great songwriting across all genres”.
MNRK added: “Paul was known as a tireless advocate for artists, believing that the creative process and the music always came first. His passion for nurturing emerging and established voices will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of working with him.
The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites paid tribute to Roper: “When we started touring in a 15-passenger van, we would park at venues and bide our time until it was time to load up.
“We didn’t have money for a hotel, so we would usually split Subway sandwiches or a Cliff Bar. I’ll never forget Paul Roper showing up in the parking lot behind the Nashville venue and greeting us with beer and pizza. It was a small gesture for him but a big one for us. I will never forget it.
MNRK added that under Roper’s leadership, “the label has flourished, earning a reputation as a trusted partner to artists and a leader in independent music.”
After the 2020 East Nashville tornadoes, Roper reflected, “The spirit of this company has always been greater than any one person or place. We have a lot of great memories in that building, but Dualtone’s The core is the music, the artists, the staff and the community and no storm can take that away.
“Paul Roper’s kindness, integrity and love of music will continue to inspire us all.”
MNRK added: “Paul’s vision and unwavering commitment will continue to define the heart and soul of Dualtone. He led Dualtone and his team with dedication, authenticity, humor and kindness, 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.”
In lieu of flowers, the family of Paul Roper requests that donations be made to Corner to Corner in his memory.global music business
