Debra Byrd
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| Debra Byrd | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1951 |
| Origin | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress |
| Instrument(s) | Singing |
| Website | http://www.debrabyrd.com |
Debra Byrd (born 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American vocalist who has worked with Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan, appeared on Broadway, and serves as the head vocal coach for American Idol and Canadian Idol, also singing backup for the contestants.
[edit] Biography
Learning piano as a child, Byrd began studying opera at the age of 12. After college, she moved to New York to break onto Broadway, and ended up singing back-up for Barry Manilow as part of Lady Flash, appearing on his albums and touring with him as well. Lady Flash also recorded their own Manilow-produced album, Beauties in the Night, for RSO Records.
After four years, the group disbanded and Byrd found her way back to the stage, appearing in Ain't Misbehavin' on Broadway and touring with the national company. Along with her theatrical work, she sang back-up on albums and on tour behind artists like Eurythmics, Bob Dylan (helping arrange Dylan's performance on Kurtis Blow's "Street Rock" with songwriter/producer Wayne K. Garfield), Anita Baker, UB40, Roberta Flack, Patti Austin, Regina Belle, Feargal Sharkey, Little Steven, Stephanie Mills, Bob Geldof, Billy Preston and José Feliciano. Byrd also continued her association with Barry Manilow, acting as vocal arranger and coach for many of his records and tours.
Other vocal credits include work on ABC's All My Children, David Brenner's talk show Nightlife, For Love or Money, the CBS movie Threesome, the Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, The Tonight Show, The Arsenio Hall Show and the Legendary Ladies of Rock. She has also done commercials and voiceover work, and appears on the soundtracks for movies like Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, The Preacher's Wife, The First Wives Club, Ghosts of Mississippi, and Thumbelina (in a duet with Barry Manilow).
Most recently, she has served as vocal coach for all six seasons of American Idol, as well as the short-lived American Juniors, and seasons two, three, and four of Canadian Idol. In late 2006 she helped judge Military Idol, a singing competition where all contestants are members of the United States Army.
