Remembering Paul Roper
Paul Roper, the highly esteemed president of Dualtone Music Group, passed away on Tuesday (December 17) after a brave battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
“His absence will be profoundly felt by his family, colleagues, artists, the Nashville music community, and the music industry as a whole,” parent company Dualtone Music Group stated this week.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Roper began his journey at Dualtone Music Group in 2002 as an intern and quickly emerged as the “driving force” behind the label, climbing the ranks to become president and partner.
He played a crucial role in signing and releasing over 200 albums, earning American Music Association awards, multiple Grammy nominations, and four Grammy wins.
Roper championed celebrated albums from artists like 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 was a proud alumnus of Sewanee: The University of the South.
MNRK describes Roper as “a visionary leader and pioneer in a music space he calls Americana, celebrating exceptional songwriting across various genres.”
A Fond Farewell
MNRK added: “Known for his relentless advocacy for artists, Paul believed that the creative process and music always came first. His passion for nurturing both new and established voices will be cherished by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
Jeremiah Frates of The Lumineers paid tribute to Roper: “When we started touring in our 15-passenger van, we would often park and wait until it was time to load up.
“We didn’t have the budget for hotels and typically shared Subway sandwiches or Clif Bars. I will never forget Paul Roper showing up in the parking lot behind a concert hall in Nashville, greeting us with beer and pizza. It was a small gesture on his part, but it meant a lot to us. I will always remember this.”
MNRK remarked that under Roper’s leadership, “the label has thrived, establishing a reputation as a trusted partner for artists and a leader in independent music.”
After the 2020 East Nashville tornado, Roper reflected, “The spirit of this company has always transcended any single person or location. We have many wonderful memories from this building, but the heart of Dualtone lies in the music, the artists, the staff, and the community. No storm can take this away.”
“Paul Roper’s legacy of kindness, honesty, and profound love of music will continue to inspire us all.”
MNRK concluded: “Paul’s vision and unwavering commitment continue to define the heart and soul of Dualtone. He led Dualtone and his team with dedication, sincerity, humor, and kindness, and he will be deeply missed by all of us.”
In lieu of flowers, Paul Roper’s family requests that donations be made to Corner to Corner in his memory.
Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group, passes away after battle with cancer
