NASHVILLE (CelebrityAccess) – Paul Roper, the esteemed president of Dualtone Music Group, passed away on December 17, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He was 45.
Roper started at Dualtone in 2002 as an intern. His dedication and passion for music elevated him to become president and partner. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the release of over 200 albums, earning accolades such as Americana Music Association awards and four Grammy wins.
He was instrumental in championing critically acclaimed albums by artists including 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.
Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers shared a heartfelt memory: “When we started touring in our 15-passenger van, we used to park at the venue and bide our time until it was time to load in. We didn’t have money for hotels, and we’d usually be splitting Subway sandwiches or Clif Bars between us. I’ll never forget when Paul Roper showed up at the parking lot behind the venue in Nashville and met us with beer and pizza. It was a small gesture on his side but a massive one to us.”
Roper was known for his tireless advocacy for artists and his belief that the creative process and the 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.
He is survived by his wife, Janna Sallade Roper, and their four children: Jack, Hank, Cate, and Jane. His parents, Hartwell and Genie Roper of Richmond, VA, and his siblings, Hart (Colleen) Roper of Nashville, TN, and Ann (Byers) Bowen of Norfolk, VA, also survive him. His many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10:30 am at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corner to Corner: P.O. Box 60646, Nashville, TN 37206 or cornertocorner.org.
RIP
