Debra Byrd, a vocal coach who appeared on american idol and The voice, He reportedly passed away earlier this week at the age of 72. His cause of death was not revealed.
According to Deadline, Byrd worked with several Grammy winners over the years. Among his students were Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Bob Dylan and Barry Manilow.
She was from Cleveland, Ohio, and studied at Kent State University, as well as the Karamu and Dobama theaters. She was close to Manilow as she spent years touring as part of Ladyfish, which is Manilow’s breakout group.
Her career highlights include her 2001 Balck Theater Alliance Award nomination for It could be magical; appearing on several film soundtracks such as Sister Act II and The Lion King; and working like american idol trainer from season 1 to season 10.
Manilow is among those who took to social media to pay tribute to Debra Byrd. “This is one of the saddest days of my life,” the music icon wrote on X (formerly Twitter) with a snapshot of him and Bryd.
“I just can’t accept the fact that Debra Byrd is no longer with me. She was one of the most wonderful friends I have ever had. I will miss you forever, my love.”
This is one of the saddest days of my life. I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that Debra is no longer with me.
She was one of the most wonderful friends I have ever had.
I will miss you forever, my love.
-Barry Manilow pic.twitter.com/mc5QwlQ2ft
—Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) March 6, 2024
american idol Star Clay Aiken also said he didn’t think it was an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach or teacher to the show’s contestants than Byrd.
“No one spent more time with us. I will never forget her explaining to us how we needed to look directly into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. “I am very lucky to be able to call her a friend.”
‘American Idol’ Alum Jennifer Hudson Says She’s ‘Heartbroken’ Over Loss of Debra Byrd
Jennifer Hudson, who became a household name during her american idol days, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Debra Byrd.
“Heartbroken by the passing of Debra Byrd,” Hudson said. “The vocal coach in American Idol. “She encouraged and supported us from the beginning.”
Hudson also stated that she was grateful for everything Bryd taught her and others. american idol contestants. “She will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Debra.”
Along with a headshot of Byrd, Hudson also shared a video of the vocal coach speaking to her on American Idol. Byrd encouraged Hudson to “get rid of the gospel jaw.”
“Your job is to stand in that mirror,” Byrd said. “I want you to physically hold your jaw.”
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn