Paradigm Acquires Dale Morris & Associates Touring Business

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Paradigm Talent Agency and Morris Higham Management have entered into an agreement to bring Dale Morris & Associates, their artist-driven in-house touring arm, together with Paradigm.

As part of the deal, agents Mike Betterton and Nate Ritches become part of Paradigm’s Nashville team, bringing eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney; reigning ACM and CMA Group of the Year Old Dominion; EMI Records Nashville’s Brandon Lay; and Warner Music Nashville’s Ryan Griffin and Walker County.

They join Paradigm’s music roster that includes Kacey Musgraves, Ed Sheeran, Halsey, Coldplay, Janelle Monáe, Shawn Mendes, Phish, Margo Price, Tiësto, Lorde, Dave Matthews Band, Sturgill Simpson, Imagine Dragons, Tori Kelly, Gucci Mane, Sara Bareilles, The Lumineers and Alessia Cara.

In addition to the touring business, Paradigm will work in conjunction with Morris Higham Management (MHM) to create unique and compelling opportunities for the MHM management clients. By offering a broadened network and enhanced resources to their roster, the collaboration will expand their focus globally.

“Dale Morris and Clint Higham’s beliefs and values perfectly align with our art and artist philosophy at Paradigm. They are unique, independent pioneers who share our unwavering focus on the artists we represent and the art they create,” said Sam Gores, Chairman & CEO of Paradigm. “Our cultures complement one another perfectly. We both have a fierce commitment to our artists, and we will be utilizing the combined strengths and resources from both companies to push this partnership into new territory.”

“I have always believed you put the artist and the fans first,” says founder Dale Morris. “When you make that the priority, stay connected to the business and keep it your focus, you can do things people say are impossible. We’ve always gotten in the trenches, bringing the acts to the people, and we’ve built careers that last for generations.”

“In today’s world, where global reach is needed and music delivery changes daily, having the strongest team possible is critical to continue growing,” said Morris Higham co-head and CMA Manager of the Year Clint Higham. “We have always thought outside the box, taking Kenny to stadiums and building Old Dominion without a record deal. To me, this affords us a much bigger box to think outside, and that’s everything Dale Morris & Associates was built on.”

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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