Country music legend George Strait has been deeply saddened by the recent passing of two individuals very close to him. He expressed that he will “never be the same” without them.
On social media, the 71-year-old Strait shared heartfelt tributes to his cherished band member, Gene Elders, and his longtime manager of 45 years, Ervine “Erv” Woolsey. Both these influential figures in his life passed away within mere hours of each other, leaving him in a state of mourning.
Strait wrote, “It’s hard to fathom that we’ve lost two of our beloved music family on the same day. Gene Elders, our prized member of the Ace In the Hole band, passed away yesterday afternoon, just after we lost Erv. Our prayers are with their families. The band and I will feel a tremendous void without our brother Gene. He was dearly loved. Go play with Mike again, Geno. We’ll join you when it’s time.”
A personal message from George Strait accompanied this post on his social media platform.
Gene Elders, hailing from Austin, Texas, joined Strait’s Ace In the Hole band in 1984. Known for his skills with the fiddle and mandolin, Elders brought a unique sound to the band. Before his time with Strait, he spent 11 years with Lyle Lovett’s Large Band.
Ervine Woolsey, whom Strait referred to as “my friend for even longer,” was one of Nashville, Tennessee’s most celebrated managers. Woolsey, unfortunately, passed due to complications from surgery. In Strait’s words, “He faced complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome them. Erv was a fighter, but it proved too much in the end.”
Another heartfelt message shared by George Strait on social media.
Fans of Strait offered their sympathies, noting the impact both Elders and Woolsey had on the music world. “I can hardly believe it,” expressed one fan. “So many memorable moments, so many years of incredible music. We are thinking of you all.” Another remembered, “I cherished Gene’s fiddle playing in your songs.”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, also paid tribute to Ervine’s legacy. He acknowledged Woolsey’s significant contributions to the careers of numerous country artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Clay Walker.
Young remarked, “Without Erv Woolsey’s wisdom and determination, we might never have heard of George Strait. Erv discovered Strait in a Texas bar back in 1975 and immediately became an ardent supporter, even when others felt the singer was too traditional.”
As an executive at MCA Records, Erv was instrumental in signing Strait in 1981, backing his decision to maintain his distinctive style and sound. Consequently, Strait rose to stardom, reviving the traditions of country music.
Young added, “We owe Erv Woolsey immense gratitude for his unwavering conviction and for always championing artists and emerging talents.”
We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to George Strait and the families who mourn the loss of his two longstanding friends.
