Lynyrd Skynyrd's Keyboardist Billy Powell Dead at 56

Bill Powell, the keyboard player for rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died this Wednesday morning in his Miami, Florida home. It was reported that the 56 years old Powell had called emergency shortly before 1: am to complain of inability to breathe. Ambulance came but he was pronounced dead before 2 am. This sad news come only less than a day after Powell had missed a doctor's appointment to have his heart checked, as he had history of heart disease. He had apparently suffered a cardiac arrest.

It is sad and shameful news to hear of Bill Powell's demise. I always enjoyed their music, specifically his keyboard playing, although I never had a chance to attend any of their concerts. I love their popular tunes "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." So sad that he escaped the 1977 plane crash that took his fellow band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines and others only to succumb to heart attack that might have been prevented had he gone to his cardiologist appointment yesterday. I guess such is his fate.

Billy Powell was originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. He grew up in Jacksonville Florida, where he attended Kennedy High School and met future band bassist Leon Wilkeson. After working with Lynyrd Skynyrd as a roadie, Bill was bumped up to being the keyboardist in 1972 upon performing a version of "Free Bird" at the Bolles School prom.

The rest is history, as Lynyrd Skynyrd was signed to MCA Records in 1973 and instantly became a favorite among rock lovers the world over. It was on their way to a concert in Louisiana that in 1977, their chartered planed crashed, killing lead singer Ronnie Van Zant among others.

The crash disbanded the group, but a reunion followed a decade later in 1987 when Powell and Lynyrd Skynyrd (made up of new members as well) held a tribute tour throughout the country. The band's performance of "Free Bird" in 1999 at the Moondance is something I will always remember. Although he (along with the other members that are dead) is gone, their music will continue to live on; in movies, in homes, and in minds. He is free now, just like a bird. Adieu!

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Powell