Lynyrd Skynyrd
keyboardist
Billy Powell died early this morning in his
Florida home. He was 56.
From the Associated Press: Keyboard player Billy Powell called 911 about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m., said Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett.
In a press release from the band: "Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We have no further details. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you."
The act will cancel several shows due to Powell's death, and hope to soon reschedule. Check the band's official site for more details.
From Rolling Stone online: His keyboard work features prominently on the band’s debut (pronounced ‘leh-’nerd ’skin-’nerd), with Powell credited for crafting the intro for their epic anthem “Free Bird” (Number 191 on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Songs of All Time).
... Powell survived the 1977 plane crash that took the lives of singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines and other crew members.
Bandmate Steve Gaines was born in Miami, Okla.
Read the Associated Press story from today's Tulsa World online.
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Visit the official Lynyrd Skynyrd home page for more info.
>> CLICK HERE TO VISIT OFFICIAL SKYNYRD PAGE
Read the Rolling Stone online story.
>> CLICK HERE TO READ FULL RS STORY
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