Remembering Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd

As we reported earlier, Billy Powell, keyboardist with 70’s band Lynyrd Skynyrd died Wednesday at his home in Florida, aged 56.

An autopsy is yet to be carried out to confirm the cause of death, but Powell was known to have heart issues, and called 911 before dying, complaining of breathing issues.

Powell hammered the keys on Lynyrd Skynyrd classics including Freebird and perhaps their most famous hit of all: Sweet Home Alabama.

Powell, along with guitarist Gary Rossington were the only two members of the band to survive a 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines. The band, with its remaining members reformed in 1987, and is still touring today.