This past Tuesday (March 5, 2024), the world learned of the death of singer-actress-vocal coach, Debra Byrd.

Many first saw Debra Byrd in the seventies as part of Barry Manilow's backing group, Lady Flash, but she found herself in the living rooms of America when she was hired as the vocal coach for American Idol where she nurtured the talents of Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood and so many more.

I was privileged to interview Debra in 2007 for my radio show, Out the Box with Tim Dillinger. I wanted to honor her life, work and legacy by re-editing our conversation for this week's podcast episode where we talk about her beginnings in gospel, training in opera, her career with Manilow, on Broadway and, finally, her life as a vocal coach.

You will be missed Ms. Byrd. Thank you for the incredible music and all that you invested into multiple generations of artists.

To read more about Debra's life, go to https://godsmusicismylife.substack.com/