Doug Morris is a veteran music executive.<\/p>\n
He was Chairman of independnet label 12 Tone, which was acquired by Warner Music Group for an undisclosed fee in 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n He is known for being the only music exec to head up all three major label groups across his career.<\/p>\n After graduating from Columbia University, Doug Morris’ music career began as a songwriter for music publisher Robert Mellin, writing the Chiffons\u2019 hit Sweet Talkin\u2019 Guy and producing records including Brownsville Station\u2019s 1970s hit Smokin\u2019 in the Boys Room. Morris also worked for Laurie Records as a writer and producer in the 1960s, eventually rising to Vice President and General Manager.<\/p>\n Morris launched his own label, Big Tree Records, which acquired by Atlantic Records in 1978, bringing him into the Warner Music family, initially as President of Atco Records. In 1980, he was named President of Atlantic Records, eventually rising to Co-Chairman and Co-CEO alongside Ahmet Ertegun in 1990.<\/p>\n Morris was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Warner Music US in 1994 and was named Chairman shortly after, but left after a year.<\/p>\n In 1995, Doug Morris formed a joint venture, Rising Tide Entertainment, with MCA Music Entertainment Group. He was appointed Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group in November 1995, and the joint venture became wholly owned by Universal Music Group and was re-named Universal Records. Morris went on to lead Universal in its acquisition of PolyGram in 1998, making it the biggest label group.<\/p>\n In 2009<\/a>, Morris was one of the Co-Founders to launch music video platform Vevo.<\/p>\n Morris spent 14 years as Chairman and CEO of the Universal Music Group, before\u00a0joining Sony Music Entertainment as CEO in 2011. In 2017<\/a>, he moved from CEO to Chairman as Rob Stringer succeeded him.<\/p>\n Morris launched his new venture, 12 Tone, in 2018<\/a>, with Anderson.Paak the label’s first signing.<\/p>\n
\nDoug Morris: Career Beginnings<\/h6>\n
\nDoug Morris: The Universal and Sony years<\/h6>\n
\nDoug Morris: Professional philosophy<\/h6>\n