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BORN
1951
DIED
2024
Debra Byrd Obituary
Debra Byrd was a singer who recorded with Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan, as well as the head vocal coach on "American Idol."
We invite you to share condolences for Debra Byrd in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
29 Entries
Jared McCallister
July 4, 2025
You brought joy to so many people.
Bernie Johnson Wiley
September 6, 2024
Remembering Debra from Ms. Christy and the John Adams High school choir. It was Debra, Carolyn Dickerson and Linda Goldsmith with the voices of angels. I considered it an honor to be apart of that choir.
Dale Shields
July 30, 2024
REMEMBERING
my ole friend... Debra Byrd *****
...still too hard to comprehend
(July 19, 1951 - March 5, 2024) - American vocalist who worked with Barry Manilow, Lady Flash and Bob Dylan, appeared on Broadway, and served as the head vocal coach for American Idol. Canadian Idol and The Voice.
https://iforcolor.org/debra-byrd/
Joanne Woodack
May 20, 2024
1976 . Stage door of the Uris theater after Barry´s concert. You came out with a fur coat, red lipstick, beautiful smile, beautiful attitude, and smelling of gorgeous perfume... After a hard night of work. I have followed you through Barry´s career and your other roads traveled. Just saw Barry April 19 at Radio City. Missing you on stage I just checked to see what you were up to and I was shocked and devastated. You have touched so many lives and you will be missed. Rest in peace, talented woman. Save us a seat for the next show when we meet again.
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Debbie Kruse
April 24, 2024
What an amazing person and friend. As co-founder of her fan club in the 80's & 90's I am heartbroken as everyone who loved her. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Melissa Meehan
April 13, 2024
Debra you were my favorite female singer. I can see you leading a choir in heaven. Melissa Meehan
Barry Manilow
April 11, 2024
I will miss you dearly. No words can express how much you meant to me.
Gloria Flores Robinson
March 31, 2024
Our Condolences to all families n Friends From Goodyear Arizona
Erika Randolph
March 19, 2024
Rest in Peace Debra. I was her dresser on the road in Bring in the Noise Bring in the Funk on tour fro 2 years. God Bless you.
Kenneth Caldwell
March 18, 2024
She is beautiful very good singer. She will be missed. God bless.
Nathalie Blossom
March 18, 2024
Stunned and so sorry to learn of Debra’s passing. I worked with her in a show in Cleveland, OH. I was 19 and she was just 22. And I enjoyed learning of her success as Lady Flash, as well as her wonderful work on American Idol. I know how much everyone who knew her and worked with her will miss her, myself included. Rest Now, Debra.
Mindy Tumarkin
March 15, 2024
I met Debra a few times while she was working with Barry Manilow. One time in particular, I was sitting in the audience near some of her family members. She came out and started speaking with us, noticing I had photos from the show the night before. She grabbed one of the photos to take with her. LOL! Another time we met, was when she was performing in "Could it be Magic". She saw me struggling to get my recently hospitalized mother to the rest room and helped "clear the way" for us. She was a talented and special woman!
Kay Maletta
March 14, 2024
Although I never met her, I did see her wonderful performances with Barry Manilow. She was an incredible ray of sunshine and had the voice of an angel.. Blessed to have seen her. Thankful there are videos and recordings of her music to keep her memory alive always!!
March 14, 2024
Our sincerest thoughts, condolences & prayers to The family. Debra is now with the Lord directing his heavenly choir. It was an honor & a blessing to have known you.
All our love- Stephie, Rosie, Gina and all The Beagle-Bagels -Detroit, MI
michele tiff-hill
March 11, 2024
Debra studied voice with my mother, Gladys Tiff, from an early age in Cleveland, Ohio. She stayed a member of the highly-regarded Tiff Studio under my mother's tutelage and guidance until she moved on to an illustrious career. She will not be forgotten. My condolences. She was certainly loved by my mother.
Michele Tiff-Hill
Nadjra Washington
March 11, 2024
Follow Your Dreams! I followed her career through out the years and I was so proud that I knew her. Debra & I were friends at St. John A.M.E. Church in Cleveland, OH.
It was always a treat to hear her sing, with her amazing voice. Gone but never forgotten.
nancy stone
March 10, 2024
performing with Barry Manilow, and lady flash. fans of Barry loved her she was the best!..her solos that she sang in his shows were wonderful. her kindness towards us over the years was noticed by us. god bless her.
Cindy Hall
March 10, 2024
I first saw Debra when she performed with Barry about 1974-75 at Illinois State University. It was before they were named Lady Flash. Barry asked the audience what they should call the 'ladies". I was one of three coordinators of the Debra Byrd Fan Club. She was so nice and alot of fun to be around. Her death just saddens me.
RB
March 10, 2024
Such an incredible voice that graced audiences for years. Her talent and skills were such an asset to so many as a vocal coach. Sincere condolences to the Byrd family. May God help you all in your time of loss.
Donna Renaud
March 9, 2024
My first concert seeing Debra was at Cape Girardeau Show Me Center in December 1987. My favorite
story is that I almost met her at the Las Vegas airport in 1990 as I was waiting for my return flight with friends to LA but missed her as I had to use the restroom. I think that was very talented as a singer and valuable coach to new singers. I just learned of her death and was shocked My condolences to
Barry Manilow and everyone who worked with her.Donnaa Renaud
Larry Marshall
March 9, 2024
I worked with Debbie when she was living on the East Coast, and was pursuing an acting career! We did two shows together, and she was such a pleasure to work with! I can still see that smile and hear that sweet voice! Though I haven´t seen her for some time now, I will miss her being on this planet! R.I.P. Byrd! Will always remember you! Larry Marshall
Joan Steinberg
March 9, 2024
My sympathy goes out to her family. When attending Barry Manilow concerts Ms. Byrd was a true professional and you could see and feel her love performing in front of the audience.
Cathy English
March 9, 2024
When traveling with friends to many cities in the 80's & 90's to enjoy Barry Manilow's concerts Debra was a highlight of the shows! Awesome voice & great personality on stage. Off stage her personality was just as wonderful. Many times we would see her shopping in malls near the theater. She ALWAYS would respond so lovingly to us fans. Took the time to chat & ask if we enjoyed the shows & ask about our hometowns. She loved us & we loved her & ALWAYS will!!!! Love abd prayers to her family & friends
Teresa Gates
March 8, 2024
Wow, I am truly sorry to hear of her passing. She was relatively young & seemed full of life. A.I., will certainly miss her presence!
My sincere condolences to her family. RIP
Jeannine Otis
March 8, 2024
Loved working with Debra
We were in a production at the ANERICAN REPERTORY THEATER...what a lovely, talented, and kind person
Elizabeth Bell
March 8, 2024
R.I.P. Debra
Holly
March 8, 2024
Beautiful voice. The voice of an angel. Touches the soul. God Bless Debra's beloved family and friends, very sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Kristina Tilley
March 8, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Norma Drane
March 8, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Debra was very nice to me and i loved her in concert with Barry. She will be missed greatly. My condolences to her Family and Barry Manilow. She was a great singer. Will always Rember her.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
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