Standing before a gathering of reporters, fellow musicians, and long-time confidants, George Strait delivered a heartfelt message that resonated with sorrow, gratitude, and remembrance. His voice—typically steady—bore the weight of personal loss as he shared the news:

“Today, I am mourning two remarkable men who shaped my life in ways words can scarcely capture. Erv Woolsey was more than my manager; he was my rock, my counselor, and my friend. Gene Elders was more than a talented musician; he was the heartbeat of our band and my brother in music. Their legacies live on in every note we played together and in every mile of this road we traveled side by side.”

Strait’s statement made clear that, for more than forty years, Woolsey and Elders had stood alongside him through every milestone—from humble honky-tonk beginnings to sold-out stadium shows. Their passing not only closes a cherished chapter in Strait’s life but also marks the end of an era in modern country music.

A Pillar of Strength: The Life and Career of Erv Woolsey

Early Years and Introduction to George Strait

Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey was born in 1944 and first crossed paths with a nascent George Strait in the early 1980s. At the time, Strait—a fresh face on the local Texas circuit—was searching for management support to navigate an industry that often chewed up talented newcomers. Woolsey, then a well-respected figure in Nashville circles, recognized not only Strait’s vocal gift but also his authenticity—a rare trait in an era of flash and spectacle. Check more below !