Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Passes Away

Billy Powell, keyboard player for Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away earlier today (Wednesday) at his home in Orange Park, Florida at the age of 56.

Per the Associated Press, Powell called 911 at 12:55 A.M. with a trouble breathing but, by the time ambulances arrived, he was already dead. A police lieutenant said that Powell had missed a cardiac appointment earlier in the day.

Powell was one of the original members of the band and, with Gary Rossington and Artimus Pyle, were the only members that survived the 1977 plane crash that killed the rest of the band members.

Billy originally joined the group My Backyard which was made up of high school friends Ronnie Van Zandt, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. He played with the group throughout their original run and in each of the reunions.

A number of dates are expected to be canceled with no word at this time of when the group's tour will resume.