Debra Byrd

Debra Byrd
Byrd on Military Idol
Background information
Born	(1951-07-19)July 19, 1951
Origin	Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died	March 5, 2024(2024-03-05) (aged 72) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Soul adult contemporary
Occupations	Singer actress
Instrument	Voice

Debra Byrd (July 19, 1951 – March 5, 2024) was an American vocalist who worked with Bob Dylan, with Barry Manilow as part of his backup group from 1974 to 1979, and appeared on Broadway. She later served as the head vocal coach for American Idol and Canadian Idol, also singing backup for the contestants. Byrd helped with vocals on the Hub Television Series "Majors and Minors".

In her later years, she served as vocal coach for ten seasons of American Idol, as well as the short-lived American Juniors, and all six seasons of Canadian Idol. In late 2006 she helped judge Military Idol, a singing competition where all contestants are members of the U.S. Army.

Byrd died on March 5, 2024, at the age of 72.^[1]

References

1. Haring, Bruce (March 6, 2024). "Debra Byrd Dies: 'American Idol' And 'The Voice' Vocal Coach Was 72". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 6, 2024.

External links

• Allmusic entry
• Debra Byrd at IMDb
• Debra Byrd discography at Discogs