JACKSONVILLE, FL (January, 28,2009) -- Longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist and pianist Billy
Powell has died.
Powell, 56, died early Wednesday morning. The death was initially posted on the band's fan club web
site.
Orange Park Police Chief James Boivin says Powell called 911 at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he
was having difficulty breathing.
Police arrived at his home and his niece answered the door. She didn't know why police were there,
but police say Powell called from his bedroom, Boivin says.
Boivin says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. Boivin says
Powell died of "natural causes" and the police investigation is complete.
Powell was one of two band members, along with Gary Rossington, still active who performed with
the band prior to the fatal plane crash in 1977 that killed 3 of the band's members.
Powell has died.
Powell, 56, died early Wednesday morning. The death was initially posted on the band's fan club web
site.
Orange Park Police Chief James Boivin says Powell called 911 at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he
was having difficulty breathing.
Police arrived at his home and his niece answered the door. She didn't know why police were there,
but police say Powell called from his bedroom, Boivin says.
Boivin says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. Boivin says
Powell died of "natural causes" and the police investigation is complete.
Powell was one of two band members, along with Gary Rossington, still active who performed with
the band prior to the fatal plane crash in 1977 that killed 3 of the band's members.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboard Player Billy Powell dead of apparent heart attack
Lynyrd Skynyrd had 2 concerts scheduled for next week in Louisiana and Mississippi, but has canceled
them, according to the band's publicist, who adds that they hope to reschedule the dates in the near
future.
The publicist also released the following statement: "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." (Courtesy of firstcoastnews.com)
them, according to the band's publicist, who adds that they hope to reschedule the dates in the near
future.
The publicist also released the following statement: "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." (Courtesy of firstcoastnews.com)
| R.I.P.: Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd (1952-2009) |
| *** *** *** *** *** *** |
Remembering Billy Powell: the cool behind the hell-raising
By Thom Copher
Having been a rock-and-roll-playing teen who grew up in the 1970s, I have many fond
memories of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The honest-to-goodness rowdiness of the band's music,
fueled by that legendary three-guitar attack and the frontman prowess of Ronnie Van
Zant, made Skynyrd a perfect staple for many a road trip or beer blast back in the
day.
My first real recognition of and appreciation for the band's keyboard player, Billy
Powell, sadly came about during a much more somber moment. On the morning of
October 21, 1977, I awoke - as did most of the United States of America - to The
Today Show. I was shocked at the report of the plane crash which killed Van Zant,
Steve and Cassie Gaines, and others. In the mix of the frenzy was Billy Powell, his
face bruised and lacerated, doing his best to relate events to the media while
maintaining (as best he could) a cool collectiveness so as not to allow the scene to erupt
into chaos. Billy's dignity and calm amidst his obvious pain has forever been etched
into my memory.
By Thom Copher
Having been a rock-and-roll-playing teen who grew up in the 1970s, I have many fond
memories of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The honest-to-goodness rowdiness of the band's music,
fueled by that legendary three-guitar attack and the frontman prowess of Ronnie Van
Zant, made Skynyrd a perfect staple for many a road trip or beer blast back in the
day.
My first real recognition of and appreciation for the band's keyboard player, Billy
Powell, sadly came about during a much more somber moment. On the morning of
October 21, 1977, I awoke - as did most of the United States of America - to The
Today Show. I was shocked at the report of the plane crash which killed Van Zant,
Steve and Cassie Gaines, and others. In the mix of the frenzy was Billy Powell, his
face bruised and lacerated, doing his best to relate events to the media while
maintaining (as best he could) a cool collectiveness so as not to allow the scene to erupt
into chaos. Billy's dignity and calm amidst his obvious pain has forever been etched
into my memory.
Classic Skynyrd: Leon Wilkerson, Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant,
Gary Rossington, Steve Gaines, Artimus Pyle and Billy Powell
Gary Rossington, Steve Gaines, Artimus Pyle and Billy Powell
Years gone by, I have (of course) heard the Skynyrd catalogue many times over. As I
studied the music, I gained a sense that Billy's playing was the glue which held it all
together. Be it the classic lineup or the reformed Skynyrd, there was always Billy Powell
back there leading the band like a conductor pacing the orchestra.
Billy always seemed to be having the time of his life when he played live. I can't recall
ever seeing a photo or clip of him without that big, wide smile spread across his face. He
always reminded me that the "having fun" aspect of being in a band was why we got into
the madness in the first place.
The music world has lost a true Brother with the passing of Billy Powell. If we can find
any solace with in his earthly death, let's rest assured that he and Ronnie are leading
that Big Band in the Sky through a rocking version of "Free Bird" at this very moment.
Save us a front-row seat, Billy!
studied the music, I gained a sense that Billy's playing was the glue which held it all
together. Be it the classic lineup or the reformed Skynyrd, there was always Billy Powell
back there leading the band like a conductor pacing the orchestra.
Billy always seemed to be having the time of his life when he played live. I can't recall
ever seeing a photo or clip of him without that big, wide smile spread across his face. He
always reminded me that the "having fun" aspect of being in a band was why we got into
the madness in the first place.
The music world has lost a true Brother with the passing of Billy Powell. If we can find
any solace with in his earthly death, let's rest assured that he and Ronnie are leading
that Big Band in the Sky through a rocking version of "Free Bird" at this very moment.
Save us a front-row seat, Billy!
Skynyrd '08: Billy Powell up top, shaded and cool.
