Erv Woolsey

Erv Woolsey, a former music executive, entrepreneur, and longtime manager for Country Music Hall of Fame member, George Strait, died on March 20, 2024, due to complications from surgery. He was 80.

Born Eugene Ervine Woolsey, the Texas native began his career in the music industry in Decca Records' promotion department. Making his way to Nashville in 1973, he took on the role of Head of Promotions for ABC Records’ Country division. From there, he moved to MCA during the 1980s, working closely with an array of acts, including future Country Music Hall of Famers Barbara Mandrell, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, and more, before leaving the records industry in 1984 to manage then up-and-comer George Strait. The pair enjoyed a nearly five decades long partnership that saw Strait become one of the most revered artists in Country Music history. With Woolsey by his side, Strait secured two ACM Entertainer of the Year awards, as well as notched more than 60 No. 1 songs and sold over 105 million albums.

Woolsey's mark on modern Country Music extends beyond just Strait, also managing a number of hitmakers throughout his career, including Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Milsap, Clay Walker, and Lee Ann Womack. More recently, his lengthy management roster also featured Ian Munsick, Kylie Frey, and Leftover Salmon founder Vince Herman, among others.