“Without the savvy and determination of Erv Woolsey, we may never have heard of George Strait,” he told Variety. “Erv heard Strait in a Texas bar in 1975 and was an immediate fan and proponent, when others said the singer sounded too traditional.

As an MCA Records exec, Erv pushed to sign Strait in 1981 and supported his refusal to change his image or sound. Strait went on to become a superstar, revitalizing country music’s traditions.

“All of us owe Erv Woolsey an enormous debt of gratitude for leading with his convictions and always supporting artists and new talent,” Young added.

Our thoughts and prayers go to George Strait and the grieving families of his two longtime friends.