George Strait Mourns Loss Of Beloved Band Member, Hours After Losing Manager

George Strait shared in a social media statement March 21 that he is mourning the loss of another “music family member,” Gene Elders, just hours after losing his manager of over four decades.

Strait’s statement read, “Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day. Our Ace In the Hole treasured band member Gene Elders passed away yesterday afternoon shortly after we lost Erv. All of our prayers go out to both families. Me and the band won’t ever be the same without our brother Gene. We loved him so much. Go play with Mike again Geno. We’ll come join you guys later.”

Strait posted a black and white photo alongside the heartfelt message remembering his friend.

Gene Elders was a member of George Strait’s Ace In The Hole Band contributing fiddle and mandolin since 1984. Elders also played fiddle for Lyle Lovett for 11 years, and accompanied many other artists such as Joan Baez, Lucinda Williams and Dan Fogelberg. Elders was also a very accomplished composer for film and recorded many different instruments for artists around the globe.

Gene Elders’ cause of death remains unknown.

A few hours before Elders passed, another member of Strait’s music family, Erv Woosley, died due to complications from a surgery. The 80-year-old was still under doctors’ care when he passed away.

“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,” George Strait wrote. “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.”

Woolsey is credited for convincing MCA Records to sign George Strait in the 19080s. Woolsey was working for the label at the time, but later stepped away to manage George Strait full time.

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Strait’s next show will be May 4, 2024 with Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town at the Lucas Oil Stadium. This will be his first time performing without Elders and Woolsey which will certainly be an adjustment after having them by his side for so many years.