Paradigm Talent Agency has acquired Nashville-based Morris Higham Management’s in-house touring arm Dale Morris & Associates.
As part of the deal, agents Mike Betterton and Nate Ritches become part of Paradigm’s Nashville team.
Dale Morris & Associates has had success with the likes of country superstar Kenny Chesney as well as Nashville-based country band Old Dominion, which the agency broke as a live act before major label involvement.
Morris Higham Management has also guided the careers of country acts such as, Martina McBride, Barbara Mandrell, Jake Owen, Michael Ray, Brandon Lay, Louise Mandrell, Ryan Griffin and Walker County.
Along with Old Dominion and Kenny Chesney, 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 to ‘create unique and compelling opportunities for the MHM management clients’.
Sam Gores, Chairman & CEO of Paradigm (pictured inset), said: “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.
“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.”
“Dale Morris and Clint Higham’s beliefs and values perfectly align with our art and artist philosophy at Paradigm.”
Sam Gores, Paradigm
Founder Dale Morris added: “I have always believed you put the artist and the fans first.
“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.”
Morris Higham co-head Clint Higham said: “In today’s world, where global reach is needed and music delivery changes daily, having the strongest team possible is critical to continue growing.
“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.”Music Business Worldwide
