Erv Woolsey Obituary & Cause Of Death: What Happened to George Strait Manager?

Erv Woolsey, a prominent figure in the country music industry, passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 80. His death occurred in Clearwater, Florida, due to complications following surgery.

Early Life and Career

Born Eugene Ervine Woolsey on February 15, 1944, in Houston, Woolsey graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1969 with a BBA degree in business. He began his career in the music industry working in Decca Records’ promotion department. He climbed the ladder at different labels until he was appointed head of promotion for ABC Records’ then-new country division in 1973.

Cause of Death

Erv Woolsey, a titan in the country music industry and the long-time manager of George Strait, passed away on March 20, 2024. His death occurred in Clearwater, Florida, and was due to complications following surgery. He was 80 years old at the time of his passing.

Erv Woolsey’s life and career were marked by his passion for country music and his commitment to the artists he represented. His influence on the industry will be felt for years to come. His passing is a significant loss to the country music community, and he will be deeply missed. His contributions to the industry and the artists he worked with will not be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of artists and music industry professionals.

Discovery of George Strait

While still working at ABC, Woolsey started booking George Strait in his function as owner of the San Marcos, Texas country club the Prairie Rose. By 1981, Woolsey had moved over to MCA and convinced label head Jim Fogleson to sign Strait. The artist’s first single, “Unwound,” went top 10. Three years later, Woolsey exited the label system to manage Strait full-time.

Erv Woolsey Obituary

Impact on Country Music

Woolsey’s impact on the country music industry was significant. He was instrumental in the careers of many artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Milsap, and Clay Walker. He was also known for his role in guiding the careers of Johnny Rodriguez, Jimmy Buffett, Billy “Crash” Craddock, Donna Fargo, Freddy Fender, and the Amazing Rhythm Aces.

Legacy

Woolsey’s legacy is marked by his unwavering support for traditional country music and his ability to recognize and nurture talent. His partnership with George Strait was particularly noteworthy, resulting in a career that spanned four decades and included numerous accolades and a Grammy. Woolsey’s conviction and determination have left an indelible mark on the country music industry.

Final Days

In his final days, Woolsey was remembered by those he worked with as a tough man who fought hard. His passing was mourned by many, including George Strait, who said,

“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. 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.”