Dale Morris, influential Nashville music manager, dies at 89

Dale Morris, a prominent Nashville music manager who shaped the careers of major country music stars, has died at the age of 89. His representatives stated that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, August 21.

Morris began his career as a songwriter, notably penning Johnny Paycheck’s 1967 single ‘Don’t Monkey With Another Monkey’s Monkey’. He later transitioned to management, founding Dale Morris & Associates. He is credited with guiding the band Alabama to 33 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and managing Kenny Chesney, a Country Music Hall of Famer and one of the industry's highest-grossing touring artists.

His client roster also included Martina McBride, Barbara Mandrell, Jake Owen, Old Dominion, Brandon Lay, Ryan Griffin, and Walker County. Clint Higham, president of Morris Higham Management and Morris’ longtime business partner, described his passing as ‘the end of an era.’