George Strait fans lend their support as the country music legend mourns two deaths in just one day.
In two Facebook posts on Thursday, Strait announced the deaths of his two collaborators, Erv Woosley and Gene Elders.
George Strait revealed in the first post that Woosley was his manager for about 45 years and, more importantly, was his friend for even longer. “He had complications from surgery and he just couldn’t get through it,” Strait shared. “He was a very tough man and fought hard, but unfortunately it was too much. We will miss him dearly and will never forget all the time we spent together. “It will never be the same without him.”
In the second Facebook post, Strait revealed Elders as a “precious” member of the Ace in the Hole band. Elders passed away shortly after Woosley. “All our prayers are with both families. The band and I will never be the same without my brother Gene. We loved him very much. Go play with Mike again Geno. We will join you later.”
Fans were quick to respond to the posts by sharing their sympathy and support for George Strait. “Very sorry!!!” wrote one fan. “Thoughts and prayers to the Elders family and to you and The Ace in The Hole Band.”
Another fan wrote: “OMG two friends on the same day! Stay strong!!! I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, George, all the band members, friends and his family.”
Erv Woosley discovered George Strait
According Variety, Woosley was the manager who discovered Strait. Along with Strait, Woosley worked with other renowned musical artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Clay Walker.
Kyle Young, executive director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said: “Without Erv Woosley’s intelligence and determination, we may never have heard of George Strait. Erv heard Strait in a Texas bar in 1975 and was an immediate fan and defender, when others said the singer sounded too traditional. Later, as an executive at MCA Records, Erv pressured the label to sign Strait in 1981.”
Young also revealed that Woolsey backed Strait when executives wanted him to change his name and sound. “Strait became a stadium-filling superstar, and together Strait and Erv helped return country music to its traditions. “All of us owe a huge debt of gratitude to Erv Woolsey for leading with his convictions and always supporting artists and new talent.”
In addition to representing various artists, Woolsey also served as an executive for the label.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn