Pages tagged “billy powell”

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Billy Powell: 1952 - 2009

Lynyrd Skynyrd—undoubtedly one of the two greatest classic-Southern-rock bands (along with the Allman Brothers)—is always extolled for its mind-blowing triple-guitar attack and complex, harmony-touting riff rockers. But often overlooked is the genius of the band’s piano player, Billy Powell.Powell—who was one of the survivors of the infamous, tragic 1977 plane crash that took the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, backup vocalist Cassie Gaines—died Wednesday at age 56 in his Orange Park, Fla., home. The keyboardist had a history of heart problems, and though the cause of death has yet to be determined,...  read more