WILL DOUG MORRIS
COME FULL CIRCLE?

Rumors are swirling that Doug Morris is taking his 12 Tone imprint to Warner Music Group, and people inside Warner are excited about the prospect of having a still-vibrant legend in their midst.

Morris, who began his career in the ’60s as a songplugger and then a songwriter/producer (notably, “Sweet Talkin’ Guy,” a hit for The Chiffons in 1966, and Brownsville Station’s 1973 single “Smokin’ in the Boys Room”), became part of WEA in 1974 when Atlantic picked up his Big Tree label for distribution. Four years later, Atlantic acquired Big Tree, and Ahmet Ertegun named Morris President of ATCO.

In 1980, Morris assumed the presidency of Atlantic, beginning a storied run that led to his becoming Co-Chairman of the Atlantic Group and finally Chairman of WMG-U.S.; he was shockingly dismissed in 1995 by Michael Fuchs—one of a series of corporate clowns who dragged the company into a lengthy downward spiral. The rest is well-documented history.

Will this consummate record man’s new Warner chapter echo his early adventures?