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Debra Byrd, who had a long and varied career in music, mostly behind the scenes, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, in Los Angeles. She was 72 years old. A cause of death was not provided for her.
His career highlights include a top 30 hit on the Billboard Hot 100; singing behind stars like Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan and Mary J. Blige; and a long career as a vocal coach on talent shows such as american idol and The voice.
Byrd’s career is a reminder that someone can achieve sustained success in the music business even if they never achieve stardom.
Byrd had a decades-long association and friendship with Manilow. She was a member of the all-female trio Lady Flash, who backed him in concert and on Broadway, bringing some sass and soul to her show. A recording of her show. Barry Manilow on Broadway in 1976-77 it became his album that topped the Billboard 200 Barry Manilow live! in 1977. Byrd also endorsed Manilow in Barry Manilow at the Gershwin (1989) and on the network’s primetime special. Arista Records 25th Anniversary Celebration (2000). In 1976, Manilow co-wrote and co-produced Lady Flash’s “Street Singin’,” which peaked at No. 27 on the Hot 100.
“This is one of the saddest days of my life,” Manilow wrote on X. “I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that Debra is no longer with me. She was one of the most wonderful friends I have ever had. I will miss you forever, my love. -Barry Manilow
Byrd may have achieved her most consistent success as a vocal coach on television shows, sharing her decades of experience with young contestants. Several of them greeted her on social media after her death.
“She encouraged and supported us from the beginning,” Jennifer Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I am very grateful for everything she taught us. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Debra.” Hudson competed in season 3 of american idolhe finished in seventh place and became EGOT.
“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach, teacher or champion for us. Idol contestants than Byrd,” Clay Aiken shared via Deadline. Aiken placed second in the second season of Idol. “No one spent more time with us. I will never forget her explaining to us how we needed to look directly into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. “I am very lucky to be able to call her a friend.”
Elliott Yamin, who placed third in the fifth season of Idol, also intervened on Instagram. “Debra had that indelible spirit that radiated any room she occupied. Her passion for life, music and helping others traveled far beyond her own experiences in the business and she touched the lives of so many young aspiring and aspiring singers like myself. She was our first vocal coach in the program and I have never forgotten the positive and lasting impression she made on me. Always encouraging and supporting long after our season ended, and throughout my entire career! Rest easy, Debra Byrd. You are loved!”
Byrd was born on July 19, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Kent State University.
Byrd collaborated with Bob Dylan in Australia on his Hard to Handle: Bob Dylan in Concert tour, where he played with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Byrd was credited as a backing vocalist on Dylan’s “Band of the Hand” (from the film of the same name), which he recorded with Petty and his band. Stevie Nicks also served as backing vocalist on that track.
She was a vocal coach at the Oscar telecast in 2014. At the telecast four years later, she was a member of the choir that sang behind Mary J. Blige in her Oscar-nominated song “Mighty River.”
Byrd also lent his talents to filming soundtracks, including The Lion King 1 1/2, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride and Brother act II.
NBC hired Byrd to oversee vocal production for its 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee.
Byrd had the starring role of Da Singer in the national touring company on Broadway. Bring ‘Da Noise, bring ‘Da Funk. Her theater credits also include The human comedy and Andre De Shields Haarlem night (both on Broadway in 2004) and the national tour of I’m not behaving badly.’
In academia, Byrd was chair of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. He also served as an artist in residence at Berklee College of Music.
No information was immediately available about survivors or memorial plans.