Debra Byrd, a well-known vocal coach, passed away. She was seventy-two. Deadline reports that Byrd passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 5. Her reason of death is still unknown. The outlet claims that American Idol, The Voice, Canadian Idol, Military Idol, Majors and Minors, and the 2014 Academy Awards were among the shows that Byrd coached.
According to Rolling Stone, she was a coach for Idol for ten seasons. In a heartfelt remembrance of Byrd, Jennifer Hudson—who rose to fame in 2004 after placing seventh on American Idol—posted on X, the previous Twitter platform. Hudson recalled how the coach “encouraged and supported us from the very beginning.”
A video of Byrd instructing Hudson was included in her post, telling her to “get rid of the gospel jaw” and to practice by “physically hold[ing] her jaw” in front of the mirror.
Who was Debra Byrd?
Debra Byrd was an American vocalist who appeared on Broadway, collaborated with Barry Manilow during and after Lady Flash and Bob Dylan, and served as the chief vocal coach and backup vocalist for the contestants of American Idol and Canadian Idol. Hub Television’s “Majors and Minors” featured vocal contributions from Byrd.
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She assumed the role of vocal coach for the American Idol, the short-lived American Juniors, and all six seasons of Canadian Idol during her later years. Late in 2006, she moderated Military Idol, a singing competition in which every participant is an active-duty member of the United States Army.
The Career and Achievements of Debra
Debra began her musical career after attending Kent State University. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. In the Karamu and Dobama Theaters during her studies, she refined her craft. She became a background vocalist in Barry’s band after graduating.
The song “Street Singin” by Ladyflash was a top 30 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 list in 1976. The song was arranged by Barry for his backup vocalist. Before transferring to The Voice, where she cared for and mentored the participants, Debra worked for the first ten seasons of American Idol.
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Her illustrious career also secured a place in the choir for the 2018 Academy Awards rendition of Mighty River. During the Hard to Handle: Bob Dylan in Concert tour in Australia in the middle of the 1980s, Debra also served as Bob Dylan’s coach.
On the 1986 song Band of the Hand, Debra collaborated with Dylan, Stevie Nicks, and the late Tom Petty. Her contributions to movie soundtracks included Sister Act II, The Lion King I, and The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.