78 Photo Essay: Vickie Cosby, Lead singer of Backdraft
Words by Suzie Walton | Image by Blakeney Clouse
Vickie Cosby sits under the giant oak trees behind her office building, reminiscing. As the wind wisps the dark curl from her brow, she explains that her greatest influence was growing up in a music family who loves God. “It all started with gospel,” she smiles as she recounts the road traveled to become the lead singer of the country/rock band Backdraft.
If you have been to the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia, the Flora-Bama near the Alabama-Florida state line, The Pastime Theater in Winfield, the Fireman’s Gala in Eldridge, or various popular Jasper hangouts and restaurants in between, chances are Vickie’s booming vocals have brought you to your feet. Music flows from deep within her and she believes it is in her blood.
“My mom was always playing her stereo. It was always blaring gospel or country music, and her prized 45s were always neatly stacked and ready to play,” Vickie laughs. “My whole family is musically oriented. Even my cousin who plays lead guitar for Backdraft played with Shenandoah.”
Vickie recalls her love of singing beginning in church, developing through her time with gospel quartet Crystal Clear, and emerging with Backdraft. “God has always been in this musical adventure, even when we were not always playing music in the best places,” she says. “There were not always a variety of venues for us to play, so in the beginning we had to go to local restaurants and clubs to get started.”
The only woman in a band of guys, Vickie heeded the advice early on when people warned that playing in certain places could cause problems for a family. The honky-tonk life can take a toll on some bands, but Vickie and the band made a pact that family will always be top priority.
“We all decided family must come first,” she says. “I am so blessed that my husband Kevin is so supportive; he’s our biggest fan. My parents and in-laws were wonderful in supporting and encouraging my music early on and helping with my two boys when we were singing.”
Vickie explains there is a lesson in every establishment the band has played— that there are good people everywhere and not to judge others. “The band and our families always try to let our character shine and be good examples,” she says.
That character was put to the test once when she ripped a vocal cord, a condition that left her silent for six weeks. “I did worry but I felt in my heart that God has a message through the music and He would heal my vocal cords,” she says. “I remember that first long note I held after the recovery and how I felt God’s presence. He has blessed me, and I’ll never take my singing for granted.”
What began at Eldridge Town Hall, singing gospel and country once a month for the community, has blossomed into a blessing that Vickie says she will always cherish. Each year the band still performs at the Fireman’s Gala where Vickie smoothly belts out lyrics to more than 500 people, raising money for the local fire department.
No matter where she sings, it’s always a family affair. 78