Sad News: Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynryd Died Today
Submitted by Layla’s Classic Rock Blog
I just saw this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was only 56 years old. I don’t know the cause of death. The official band website has asked for “respect and understanding during this difficult time”. I am sure they will release info when they are ready. 
Powell first joined Skynyrd in 1973 after serving as the band’s roadie for a year. 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). After impressing Ronnie Van Zant with his work on the song, Powell was officially invited to join the band, and remained a member from their debut album until 1977’s Street Survivors.
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