Strait’s manager since the early 1980s, Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80. Before moving to Nashville, the Houston native earned a degree from Southwest Texas State University. Among others, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker, Jimmy Buffett, Lee Ann Womack, Ronnie Milsap, and others attribute their success to him.
Woolsey met Strait at The Prairie Rose nightclub, which Woolsey owned in San Marcos.
“Erv Woolsey, my buddy of much longer standing and, for about 45 years, my manager, died away this morning. He was unable to recover from surgical complications. Sadly, his fighting was just too much for such a courageous man. We will always cherish the time we spent with him and will miss him terribly. Won’t ever be the same without him,” said Strait on Facebook.
Strait revealed the passing of longtime Ace in the Hole member Gene Elders not long after Woolsey did. Since 1984, Elders have performed mandolin and violin alongside Strait.
“We are sending our condolences to both families. Without our brother Gene, the band and I will never be the same. We had a great fondness for him. Geno, go play with Mike once more. Later, we’ll come hang out with you guys,” Strait wrote.
Mike Kennedy, Strait’s previous drummer, passed away in a vehicle accident in 2018.
The news of Strait’s inaugural performance at Kyle Field in College Station coincided with the defeats.
King George will be performing with fellow Texans Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman on June 15.
