The Voice and American Idol Star Debra Byrd Passes Away: Entertainment and Arts News
Sad news has come as singer and vocal coach Debra Byrd has passed away at the age of 72.
Known for her work on popular TV shows like The Voice and American Idol, Byrd also had the privilege of working with famous artists such as Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan, and Kelly Clarkson.
She breathed her last in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson paid her respects on X, by sharing a video clip of her rehearsing with Byrd, and singing alongside Sir Elton John.
Hudson wrote: “Heartbroken over the loss of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol. She guided and supported us right from the beginning! I am deeply grateful for everything she taught us. She will be greatly missed, but her impact lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime.”
“Rest in peace, Debra.”
Singer Barry Manilow posted a photo of him on stage with Byrd, expressing his sorrow: “This is one of the saddest days of my life. I just can’t fathom the fact that Debra is no longer with me.
“She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had.
“I will miss you forever, my love.”
Byrd had a long-standing musical partnership with Manilow, touring worldwide as a part of his featured backup group, Ladyflash.
The group enjoyed success with a song composed by Manilow in 1976, titled Street Singin’, which reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In addition to her television appearances on The Voice and American Idol, Byrd also made appearances on Canadian Idol, Military Idol, and Majors And Minors, another US reality singing competition.
Byrd also worked closely with Bob Dylan on various tours and provided him with vocal training.
Byrd gained critical acclaim for her role as Da Singer in the national touring company of Broadway’s Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk.
She lent her voice to film soundtracks like The Lion King and Sister Act II and worked on several Oscar ceremonies and the 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee.
Apart from her successful TV career, Byrd was also highly regarded in the academic realm, serving as the chair of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.
She was also an artist in residence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
