Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
George Strait recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his beloved friend, Pat Molak, the late owner of the historic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas. The tribute came as a “Pat Molak Memorial Wall” was unveiled at the venue, commemorating Molak’s legacy.
In a video shared on TikTok, Strait expressed his gratitude and admiration for Molak, highlighting the significant impact Molak had on his career and the careers of many other musicians. Strait recalled how Molak was “pretty picky” about who played at Gruene Hall, ensuring quality music for attendees. He shared a personal story about auditioning for Molak on a Sunday afternoon, emphasizing that it “wasn’t about the money” but about getting the chance to perform there.
Strait affectionately stated, “Pat never forgot us, and we never forgot what he did for us. We miss Pat being around, but we know he’s in a better place.”
Pat Molak, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 76, purchased Gruene Hall in 1975 and played a crucial role in transforming the once-deserted town of Gruene into a thriving destination. His vision and dedication helped launch the careers of numerous country music stars, including George Strait himself.
Video