Debra Byrd Dead at 72 – Beloved Vocal Coach worked with American Idol, The Voice contestants, and more
Sad news in the singing show world. Debra Byrd, a beloved vocal coach for such shows as American Idol, The Voice and others, died March 5 in Los Angeles. She was 72. No cause or location was given.
On American Idol, Byrd, as she was called, delivered tough love coaching to the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and more.
Byrd was the vocal coach on American Idol from the first episode through Season 10. She was then tapped to be a vocal coach on The Voice.
Byrd worked with Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan
According to Deadline’s obit, Byrd hailed from Cleveland, Ohio, attended Kent State University and studied at the Karamu and Dobama Theaters. She went on to perform with Barry Manilow for many years, touring around the world as part of Ladyflash, the featured backup group for Manilow.
“This is one of the saddest days of my life. I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Debra is no longer with me,” Manilow wrote on social media. “She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you forever, my love.”
Byrd collaborated with Bob Dylan in Australia on his tour, “Hard to Handle: Bob Dylan in Concert,” where he played with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. She worked with Dylan again on “Band of the Hand” with Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks, and also gave the gravelly voiced singer voice lessons.
“I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach, teacher, or champion to us Idol contestants than Byrd was,” said Clay Aiken in a statement. “No one spent more time with us. I’ll never forget her drilling into us how we needed to look right into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. I am so lucky that I got to call her a friend.”
Credits include Broadway, soundtracks and more
Some of Byrd’s credits include: Broadway productions including The Human Comedy, Barry Manilow on Broadway, Haarlem Nocturne,” and her contributions to the Broadway and national tour renditions of Ain’t Misbehavin‘.” She performed on film soundtracks, including The Lion King, 2 1/2, and Sister Act II. Additionally, Byrd was hired by NBC to oversee vocal production for their 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee.
Singing show alums post rememberances
Byrd was often the star of American Idol behind the scenes footage, where she dispensed tough advice that was all about helping the young vocalists make the most of their gifts. Many alums of American Idol, in particular, describe the vocal coaches, and Byrd in particular, their lifeline to navigating the tough and tricky waters of competitive reality.
Jennifer Hudson – American Idol season 3
Jennifer Hudson, who went on to win and Oscar and host her own daytime TV show shares a heartfelt message, including a clip of Byrd teaching her to minimize her “gospel jaw.” Jennifer confessed at the time, “That’s a new term, Lord knows what that means!” Byrd instructs her to stand in front of a mirror and physically hold her jaw!
“Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol. She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning ! I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Debra.” – Jennifer Hudson – American Idol season 3
Ruben Studdard – American Idol season 2 winner
“@byrdstarschool Thank you for all the lessons you gave me during and after my time on @americanidol . You were our LA mom and I don’t think I would’ve made it as far as I did on @americanidol without your guidance and care. You will be forever missed @byrdstarschool !!! RIP @byrdstarschool !!!!” – Ruben Studdard – American Idol season 3 winner
Justin Guarini – American Idol season 1 runner-up
“We called her ????…and these are the only words that can even begin to sum up the immense loss of THE reason why 99% of the kids on the formative years of American Idol made it through with our voices, our passion, and above all our SANITY intact. ? ????? ???? made me feel like I could do anything. She was the encouragement and the empowerment that I needed most when I thought I had nothing left to give. ? Behind the scenes, she shared her wisdom and tricks about performing, understanding what an audience wanted and how to make them hush and lean in and even how to work them into a frenzy. ?
She pushed me to be more vulnerable, to make boulder choices in front of 30 Million live Television viewers each week, and shaped the essence of who I would become on American Idol, and who I’ve continued to evolve into throughout the decades of my career on the stage and screen. ?She was an Angel, and nobody’s fool. ? She was the steady hand and wise counsel of my musical journey into the highs and lows of stardom…and she will forever be enshrined in the temple of my heart. ? She was a ??????, ask anybody who came in contact with her. ?” – Justin Guarini – American Idol season 1 runner-up
Elliott Yamin – American Idol season 5
“I’m so saddened to learn about the loss of our beloved Debra Byrd today! @byrdstarschool was one of the first people to instill the belief and confidence I so desperately needed when I started my journey on @americanidol. Debra had this indelible spirit about her that radiated any room she occupied. Her passion for life, music and helping others traveled far beyond her own experiences in the business, and into the lives of so many young aspiring singers & hopefuls like me! She was our first vocal coach on the show and I never forgot the positive lasting impression she made on me. Always encouraging and supportive well after our season ended, and all throughout my career! Rest easy Debra Byrd. You are loved! ? #season5 #americanidol #byrd #debrabyrd #ripbyrd #vocalcoach” – Elliott Yamin – American Idol season 5
Melinda Doolittle – American Idol season 6
“During Hollywood Week of @americanidol, I met one of the vocal coaches. She gave me a pointer on how to vocally finesse the opening line of one of the songs I was singing. I instantly knew she spoke my language. She would go on to coach me in the most beautiful way the entire season. She expertly got me through mental blocks, key choices, song choices, and everything else I walked into her practice room carrying. I couldn’t have done it without Debra Byrd.” – Melinda Doolittle – American Idol season 6
Justin Aaron – The Voice season 22
“I could say so much about you Ms.Debra Byrd I first met you on operation rising star in Washington DC
Such Wisdom and Poise The thing that made you stand out wasn’t the vast knowledge that you had on how to properly use one’s gift in song. But it was in how you carried yourself in what you didn’t say that shined brightest. Thank you for pouring into me so long ago. And then on my time on the voice to be able to come back years later and give you your flowers in person I will cherish that conversation for the rest of my life.” – Justin Aaron, The Voice 22
