Dale Morris & Associates, the artist-driven in-house touring arm of Morris Higham Management, has been acquired by Paradigm Talent Agency.
Under the terms of the deal, Morris & Associates executives Mike Betterton and Nate Ritches will move over to Paradigm along with the rest of the company’s roster, which includes country star Kenny Chesney, ascending country band Old Dominion, singers Brandon Lay and Ryan Griffin, and duo Walker County among others.
Paradigm’s roster currently 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. By offering a broadened network and enhanced resources to their roster, the collaboration will expand their focus globally.
Commenting on the acquisition, Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores 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.”
“I have always believed you put the artist and the fans first,” said 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,” added 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.”
Photo: Dale Morris & Clint Higham by Jon Paul Bruno