Remembering keyboardist Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd who we lost 10 years ago (Jan. 28, 2009).
Billy Powell was the longtime keyboardist for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1970 until is death in 2009. Lynyrd Skynyrd first gained popularity out of Jacksonville, Florida in 1973 with their debut album and the hit “Freebird”. Three band members died in a terrible plane crash at the height of their success in 1977. The band would reunite in 1987 with surviving members and lead singer Johnny Van Zant (younger brother of singer and founder Ronnie Van Zant) and would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. The band embarked on their Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour last year. Billy Powell died at home in Orange Park, Florida after suffering a fatal heart attack. He was 56. His passing inspired countless tributes, including Kid Rock honoring him by singing at his private memorial service. Many southern rock musicians were in attendance including his Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates. Crank some Freebird to day in Billy Powell's memory.