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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBYRD, Gary(b '50, Buffalo, NY) Soul rapper. Became radio disc jockey age 15; by '69 youngest disc jockey in NYC. Regarded himself as "disc journalist', adding rap to music. While working at WWRL received call from Stevie Wonder, for whom he'd written lyrics for "Black Man', "Village Ghetto Land' (Songs In The Key Of Life '76); played demo of a song over phone, in L.A. days later recording "The Crown', a 10-minute celebration of black history from Egypt to Malcolm X: Wonder supplied backing and joined in choruses; long track issued on 12} only, on Wonder's Wondirection label (through Motown) in USA, on Motown elsewhere; made no. 6 UK '83, top 10 in Holland, Germany, France, but failed in USA perhaps due to Motown switch in distribution. Continued to broadcast on WLIB NYC, hosting talk show and "Star Quiz' programme syndicated in USA; a born-again Christian, Byrd presented "Sweet Inspiration' series of gospel-related programmes for BBC '85 while demoing new musical projects. |