Biography

Before Byrd & Street, Tommy played with The Geezinslaws, sang harmony with Willie Nelson, was under contract with Stax Records in Memphis and won numerous songwriting awards, including the Song of Austin. Kathy sang with various folk and pop groups, a sisters’ quartet and performed in musicals and cabarets. Their signature "impeccable harmony" is the combination of Kathy's light, almost ethereal sound, meshing with Tommy's earthy, soulful voice. They have now been recognized by the TEXAS MUSIC AWARDS with a nomination for Duo/Group of the Year for 2014 as they were in 2012 and 2009. Kathy was also nominated for Female Vocalist for 2012 based on her performance on Then and Now. In addition Tommy was recognized by the KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL in 2013, 2011 and 2009 as a NEW FOLK FINALIST in their song competition.
The singer/songwriter team has appeared on radio and television shows, won numerous songwriting competitions, and were Regional Winners at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2012. Byrd and Street were Officially Showcased at the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference in 2004. In 2005 the song Just an Old House from their CD was licensed by the Redman Foundation, a non-profit organization in Watsonville, CA. In 2007 their song My Forever Family became the official song of the Adoption Coalition of Central Texas, and is being used by other adoption agencies around the country. Austin German Shepherd Rescue licensed Let Me Be Your Friend for use in advertising and promotions in 2008. Their album, Love Broke the Fall was #13 in July '09 on the Folk DJ Chart, made the Folk DJ Top '09 Albums Chart, and was #21 on the Freeform American Roots Chart, all songs on the CD getting airplay. In the spring of 2011, Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) recorded their song, Let Me Be Your Friend (Lemmie Be Your Friend) to be used for advertising with "Pet Connect" on the east coast. Their third CD, Then and Now released July 2011 was #27 on the Folk DJ Charts for October 2011 and was on the Texas Roots Chart. Words and Music, thier 4th CD released in 2014 has made #8 on the March Folk DJ Charts and #2 on the Roots Music Charts. The duo recently organized and hosted their 4th annual Mistletoe Jam in Austin with 7 bands performing to benefit the Adoption Coalition of Texas whose work is to find forever families for children in foster care.