News »
Gigwise RSS Feeds Bookmark and Share

Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Billy Powell Dies Aged 56

At home in Florida...

Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Billy Powell Dies Aged 56

Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell has died at his home in Florida. He was 56.

Powell is believed to have telephoned police in the early hours of Wednesday (January 28th) morning saying he was having trouble breathing.

Paramedics arrived at his home, but the keyboardist died shortly before 2am, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Powell's defining keyboard playing is evident throughout the band's music, including such hits as 'Freebird' and 'Sweet Home Alabama'.

Powell was one of only two survivors of a plane crash in 1977 that killed bandmates guitarist Steve Gaines, singer Ronnie Van Zant and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

 characters left [+]  


Register now and have your comments approved automatically!

  • RT @Gigwise Sir Paul McCartney Announces Brand New Release: It's out in November... http://bit.ly/1vqrj3
    iviART on Wed Sep 30 16:23:15 via web
  • RT @Gigwise: Sir Paul McCartney Announces Brand New Release: It's out in November... http://bit.ly/1vqrj3
    CeciliaZavalaM on Wed Sep 30 16:19:58 via UberTwitter
  • @Gigwise then again maybe i have bad taste...
    Willdivers on Wed Sep 30 15:49:12 via web
  • @Gigwise i'm appalled by your countdown. Nizlopi, Enrique, Stereophonics, Daniel Beddingfield, Daniel Powter, James Blunt. Theyre all tunes!
    Willdivers on Wed Sep 30 15:48:54 via web
  • @Gigwise Mr Writer is a fantastic song!!!
    Willdivers on Wed Sep 30 15:45:19 via web
Artist A-Z   # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z