Debra Byrd, who had an extended and diversified profession in music, largely behind the scenes, died on Tuesday, March 5, in Los Angeles. She was 72. No explanation for loss of life was given.
Highlights of her profession embrace a prime 30 hit on the Billboard Scorching 100; singing behind such stars as Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan and Mary J. Blige; and a long term as a vocal coach on such expertise exhibits as American Idol and The Voice.
Byrd’s profession is a reminder that somebody can obtain sustained success within the music enterprise even when they by no means fairly attain stardom.
Byrd had a decades-long affiliation and friendship with Manilow. She was a member of the feminine trio Girl Flash, which backed him in live performance and on Broadway, bringing some sass and soulfulness to his present. A recording of his present Barry Manilow on Broadway in 1976-77 grew to become his Billboard 200-topping album Barry Manilow Reside! in 1977. Byrd additionally backed Manilow on Barry Manilow on the Gershwin (1989) and on the primetime community particular Arista Information’ twenty fifth Anniversary Celebration (2000). In 1976, Manilow co-wrote and co-produced Girl Flash’s “Road Singin’,” which reached No. 27 on the Scorching 100.
“This is without doubt one of the saddest days of my life,” Manilow wrote on X. “I simply can’t wrap my thoughts round the truth that Debra is now not with me. She was one of the crucial great associates I’ve ever had. I’ll miss you eternally, my love. -Barry Manilow”
Byrd might have achieved her most constant success as a vocal coach on TV exhibits, sharing her many years of expertise with the younger contestants. A number of of them saluted her on social media following her loss of life.
“She inspired and supported us from the very starting,” Jennifer Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I’m so grateful for the whole lot she taught us. She might be dearly missed, however her legacy lives on via the music of numerous artists she influenced throughout her lifetime. Relaxation in peace, Debra.” Hudson competed in Season 3 of American Idol, ending in seventh place, and has gone on to develop into an EGOT.
“I don’t assume it might be an exaggeration to say that nobody was a greater mentor, coach, instructor, or champion to us Idol contestants than Byrd was,” Clay Aiken shared through Deadline. Aiken positioned second in season two of Idol. “Nobody spent extra time with us. I’ll always remember her drilling into us how we wanted to look proper into the digital camera and join with the viewers at residence. She was a light-weight in so many lives. I’m so fortunate that I acquired to name her a good friend.”
Elliott Yamin, who positioned third in season 5 of Idol, additionally weighed in on Instagram. “Debra had this indelible spirit about her that radiated any room she occupied. Her ardour for all times, music and serving to others traveled far past her personal experiences within the enterprise, and into the lives of so many younger aspiring singers & hopefuls like me. She was our first vocal coach on the present and I by no means forgot the optimistic lasting impression she made on me. All the time encouraging and supportive properly after our season ended, and all all through my profession! Relaxation straightforward Debra Byrd. You’re beloved!”
Byrd was born on July 19, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Kent State College.
Byrd collaborated with Bob Dylan in Australia on his tour, Laborious to Deal with: Bob Dylan in Live performance, the place he performed with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Byrd was credited as a backup vocalist on Dylan’s “Band of the Hand” (from the movie of the identical title), which he recorded with Petty and his band. Stevie Nicks additionally served as a backup vocalist on that monitor.
She was a vocal coach on the Oscar telecast in 2014. On the telecast 4 years later, she was a member the choir singing behind Mary J. Blige on her Oscar-nominated music “Mighty River.”
Byrd additionally lent her skills to movie soundtracks, together with The Lion King 1 1/2, The Lion King II: Simba’s Satisfaction and Sister Act II.
NBC employed Byrd to supervise vocal manufacturing for his or her 2019 Tremendous Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee.
Byrd had the starring position as Da Singer within the nationwide touring firm of Broadway’s Deliver In ‘Da Noise, Deliver In ‘Da Funk. Her theatrical credit additionally embrace The Human Comedy and André De Shields’ Haarlem Nocturne (each on Broadway in 2004) and the nationwide tour of Ain’t Misbehavin.’
Within the tutorial world, Byrd was chair of the vocal division on the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. She additionally served as an artist in residence on the Berklee Faculty of Music.
No info on survivors or memorial plans was instantly accessible.
This story initially posted on Billboard.com.
