Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Nashville Music Manager Dale Morris Dies at 89
Dale Morris was a music manager who helped country singers and bands become famous.
He died at age 89 after peacefully falling asleep.
His representatives did not say what caused his death.
Morris first worked as a songwriter before becoming a manager.
In 1979, he began managing the then-little-known band Alabama.
Alabama later became one of country music’s most successful groups.
Morris also helped Kenny Chesney become a major stadium performer.
Other artists he managed included Old Dominion, Ricky Van Shelton, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby “Crash” Craddock.
Dale Morris, a major Nashville music manager, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday night, 21 August, at age 89.
Morris helped build the careers of Alabama and Kenny Chesney, guiding both acts to major country-music success.
He began as a songwriter and wrote Johnny Paycheck’s 1967 single “Don’t Monkey With Another Monkey’s Monkey.”
Under Morris’s management, Alabama earned 33 No. 1 Billboard Hot Country Songs hits and became a major touring attraction.
Morris also managed artists including Old Dominion, Ricky Van Shelton, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby “Crash” Craddock.
- Who
- Dale Morris, a Nashville music manager and former songwriter.
- What
- Morris died at age 89 after helping build the careers of Alabama and Kenny Chesney.
- When
- Friday night, 21 August; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Nashville’s music industry; he first met Alabama at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- Why
- The articles report his death but do not provide a specific cause.
- Age at death
- 89
- Reported timing
- Friday night, 21 August
- Career start
- Songwriter before moving into music management
- Alabama connection
- Introduced to the band in 1979 at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Alabama achievement
- 33 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart
- Kenny Chesney achievement
- 32 No. 1 Billboard country hits
- Management company
- Dale Morris & Associates; later associated with Morris Higham Management