Erv Woolsey, 1944-2024
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Legendary Country Music Executive Erv Woolsey Passes Away at 80

Erv Woolsey, a well-known figure in the country music industry, talent manager, and entrepreneur based in Nashville, has passed away at the age of 80.

His most significant achievement includes his over four decades of friendship and mentorship to George Strait, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. George Strait shared in a statement, “Erv Woolsey, my manager for about 45 years and, more importantly, my friend for even longer, passed away this morning. He experienced complications from surgery and couldn’t recover. Despite his toughness and fighting spirit, it was too much. His absence will deeply affect us, and we’ll always cherish the memories of our time together. Life won’t be the same without him.”

Erv Woolsey died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, after facing complications from surgery. He leaves behind his son Clint, former wife Connie, his brother David, and sister Beth. His parents, John and Mavis Woolsey, and brother Johnny Woolsey, predeceased him. The family will announce the details of the arrangements later.

Before his partnership with Strait, Woolsey had an impressive career. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwest Texas State University in 1969, he played a crucial role in promoting radio-friendly artists as the head of promotions for ABC Records’ country division. His efforts helped boost the careers of Johnny Rodriguez, Jimmy Buffett, Billy “Crash” Craddock, Donna Fargo, Freddy Fender, and the Amazing Rhythm Aces.

Later, at MCA Records, Woolsey contributed to the sustained fame of future Country Music Hall of Famers like Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Struck by Strait’s Western swing-inspired music, Woolsey convinced Jim Fogelsong, the chief of MCA Records at the time, to sign the Poteet, Texas native. Without Woolsey’s intervention, Strait might have pursued a career in designing cattle pens instead of becoming a country music legend.

The collaboration between Woolsey’s keen ear for talent and Strait’s musical abilities was undeniable. Just six months after signing, Strait’s single “Unwound” became a top-10 hit. In a 1987 interview, Strait recalled that it took 13 months under Woolsey’s management to achieve his first gold record and the first of 61 chart-topping singles with “Fool Hearted Memory” in 1982.

By 1984, Woolsey had left his previous roles to focus solely on managing Strait’s career. A year later, he co-wrote “In Too Deep” for Strait’s platinum-selling and chart-topping album “Something Special.” By 1987, nearly a decade into Strait’s career, Woolsey’s guidance had helped Strait sell nearly 100,000 tickets for two concert dates at Houston’s Astrodome.

Strait emphasized the importance of storytelling in country music, distinguishing it from other genres by its focus on lyrical content.

Throughout the 1990s, Strait’s popularity continued to soar, deepening his partnership with Woolsey. In 1992, they convinced Strait to star in the film “Pure Country,” which grossed over $15 million. The George Strait Country Festival Tours, initiated by Strait and Woolsey, maintained Strait’s appeal in stadium-sized venues.

Over the years, Woolsey also managed other artists, including Clay Walker, LeeAnn Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Ronnie Milsap. The George Strait Country Festival Tours featured performances by Alan Jackson, The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Womack, and Asleep at the Wheel, among others.

A decade into the tour, it was grossing $66 million annually. Woolsey’s influence on Strait’s career was evident in his writing of Strait’s signature No. 1, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” which won the 1996 Country Music Association Album of the Year for “Blue Clear Sky.” In 2023, the single received a BMI Million-Air Award for over one million spins on terrestrial radio.

By the 2000s, Woolsey had established himself as a leading talent manager. In 2006, the Nashville Association of Talent Directors honored him at the International Entertainment Buyers Association conference.

Woolsey’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to the nightlife industry. In 2002, he and business partner Steve Ford opened The Trap, a country bar in downtown Nashville. They later introduced Music Row dive bar concepts Losers, Winners, and the Dawg House, catering to a diverse crowd. By 2016, Losers had expanded to Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel.

Woolsey’s involvement in the thoroughbred racing industry spanned three decades. In 2021, Super Stock, a horse he co-owned, competed in the Kentucky Derby.

In his later years, Woolsey served on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association and the Tennessee Museum of History. He continued to manage artists and mentor young professionals in the industry.

Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Woolsey’s contributions to country music. “Erv Woolsey’s determination and support for artists and new talent have left an indelible mark on country music. Thanks to his efforts, George Strait became a superstar, and together, they played a significant role in bringing country music back to its roots. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Erv Woolsey for his unwavering conviction and support for the music and artists he believed in.”