Country music icon George Strait suffered the loss of two very special individuals saying he “won’t ever be the same.”
Posting on the social media, Strait, 71, shared his tributes to his “treasured” band member, Gene Elders, and his manager of 45 years, Ervine “Erv” Woolsey. The two music legends died within hours of each other, leaving Strait heartbroken.
“Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day. Our Ace In the Hole treasured band member Gene Elders passed away yesterday afternoon shortly after we lost Erv,” Strait wrote. “All of our prayers go out to both families. Me and the band won’t ever be the same without our brother Gene. We loved him so much. Go play with Mike again Geno. We’ll come join you guys later.”
Elders, a native of Austin, Texas, had been with Strait’s Ace In the Hole band since 1984. He played the fiddle and mandolin for Strait and had previously been with Lyle Lovett’s Large Band for 11 years.
Strait’s manager and “most importantly my friend for even longer” was one of the most renowned managers in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to Strait’s post, Woolsey died due to complications from surgery despite fighting hard. “He had complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome it. He was a very tough man, and fought hard, but sadly it was just too much,” the singer wrote.
Strait’s fans shared their condolences. “I can’t believe it. So many great ones, so many years of bringing us wonderful music. Thinking of you all 🙏🏻,” one fan wrote. “I loved listening to his fiddle playing during your songs,” another added.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, also celebrated Ervine’s legacy, acknowledging his contributions to the careers of numerous country artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Clay Walker.
“Without the savvy and determination of Erv Woolsey, we may never have heard of George Strait,” he told Variety. “Erv heard Strait in a Texas bar in 1975 and was an immediate fan and proponent, when others said the singer sounded too traditional.
As an MCA Records exec, Erv pushed to sign Strait in 1981 and supported his refusal to change his image or sound. Strait went on to become a superstar, revitalizing country music’s traditions.
“All of us owe Erv Woolsey an enormous debt of gratitude for leading with his convictions and always supporting artists and new talent,” Young added.
Our thoughts and prayers go to George Strait and the grieving families of his two longtime friends.