Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell, who played on such hits as "Sweet Home Alabama" and survived the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, died Wednesday. He was 56.

Powell called 911 in this Jacksonville suburb saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead about an hour later, Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett said.

Powell, who had a history of heart problems, missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation, and a heart attack is suspected as the cause of death.


That band has been through so many tragedies :\'(

His playing was awesome,especially on Free Bird.

RIP Billy :\'(
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll144/LynyrdSkynyrd_FreeBirds77/BillyPowell.jpg

Im a massive fan of this band and I absolutely love Freebird......................My lighter is up for you billy .....................this bird you cannot change.....RIP

Man this is the end of an era.  Ronnie Van Zant, Billy Powel, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, and Steve Gaines are all gone, and Ed King is off the tour circuit due to his own heart problems.

Of the old lineup, only Artie Pyle and Gary Rossington (who also has heart problems) remain, and they're not on speaking terms.

I was a teenager when these guys were in their prime.  They kicked ass in a major way, I can attest.  8)

RIP Billy...  You did it right.  :)