She was there in the beginning and went on to share a treasure trove worth of knowledge on to the next generation of singers.
Debra Byrd died March 5, 2024 at the age of 72 in Los Angeles. The cause of death was not revealed.
Known simply as Byrd to many, she was a part of Barry Manilow’s back up singers Lady Flash when Manilow first began his solo career. Later when “Idol” franchises and “The Voice” began, she was the lead voice coach for the singers who were selected to be a part of the show.
Besides working with Barry Manilow and on “Idol”, Byrd worked with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, countless Idol contestants including Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood; was the head of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, and was an artist in residence at the Berklee College of Music.
She appeared on Broadway as a part of Lady Flash in “Barry Manilow at the Gershwin” and “Barry Manilow on Broadway”, “Andre DeShields’ Harlem Nocturne”, and “The Human Comedy”.
She was born on July 19, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to her professional musical career, Byrd attended Kent State University. Later she was a part of the Karamu and Dobama Theatres.
No list of survivors was available.
Feature photo credit: Photo by Tim Hipps, USAMWRC Public Affairs
photography by Tim Hipps
“Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army”