LYNYRD SKYNYRD Keyboardist Billy Powell Dies At Florida Home
January 28, 2009, 15 years ago
Billboard.com has issued the following report from Jonathan Cohen:
LYNYRD SKYNYRD keyboardist Billy Powell died this morning (January 28th) at his home in Orange Park, Fla. He was 56.
According to the Associated Press, Powell called 911 around 12:55 AM this morning, saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews arrived at the home but Powell was pronounced dead just before 2 AM.
Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett told the AP that Powell had missed an appointment yesterday for a cardiac evaluation.
Powell, whose fluid piano runs spiced such classic Skynyrd songs as 'Freebird', 'Call Me the Breeze' and 'Sweet Home Alabama', and founding guitarist Gary Rossington were the only two surviving band members aboard the 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines.
Read the full report at Billboard.com.
A message at the Lynyrd Skynyrd website states: "Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you."
