COUNTRY music icon George Strait has shared his sadness after two of his close friends in the music industry died within hours of each other.
Strait’s manager of 45 years, Ervine “Erv” Woolsey, 80, and his longtime band member, Gene Elders, both died on Thursday.
Strait said he “won’t ever be the same” after he left heartfelt posts for each of the men on Instagram.
In one post, he shared a picture of himself playing a guitar on stage alongside his bandmate, Elders, who was playing his trademark fiddle.
TWO FRIENDS GONE
The Check Yes or No singer captioned the post, “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.”
“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,” Strait added.
Elders played the fiddle and mandolin in Strait’s band since 1984, according to his official website.
He also played fiddle in Lyle Lovett’s band for about 11 years.
THE MAN WHO DISCOVERED HIM
In a separate Instagram post, George shared his sadness about his “friend” and longtime manager, Woolsey’s, death.
Woolsey is credited for discovering Strait and making him a country music icon.
He was one of the most well-known managers in Nashville, as he’s had a role in the careers of several country stars, including Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Clay Walker.
He also served as a label executive at ABC and MCA Records.
Blake Shelton called out for live show fakery at Nashville New Year’s Eve bash as he spends night away from Gwen Stefani
SHARED LOVE OF HORSES
Woolsey had a great love of horses. He was a thoroughbred owner and breeder and owned several horses in partnership with Strait.
“It’s a lifelong dream,” Woolsey said about his equestrian likeness in a 2021 interview, per Blood Horse.
In his social media post, George shared a photo smiling alongside Woolsey.
He captioned the post, “My manager for around 45 years and most importantly my friend for even longer, Erv Woolsey, passed away this morning.
“He had complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome it.
George Strait
“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. We will miss him so very much and will never forget all the time we had together. Won’t ever be the same without him.”
The CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame also mourned Woolsey’s death.
He wrote in a statement, per Variety, “Without the savvy and determination of Erv Woolsey, we may never have heard of George Strait.
STRAIT’S FIRST FAN
“Erv heard Strait in a Texas bar in 1975 and was an immediate fan and proponent, when others said the singer sounded too traditional.
“Later, as an MCA Records exec, Erv pushed the label to sign Strait in 1981. And when execs urged Strait to change his image and his sound,
“Erv as his manager backed Strait’s determination to stay true to himself. You know the rest. Strait became a superstar who filled stadiums, and together Strait and Erv helped lead country music back to its traditions.
“All of us owe Erv Woolsey an enormous debt of gratitude for leading with his convictions and always supporting artists and new talent.”
