Billy Powell

Billy Powell (born June 3, 1952) is the keyboardist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Related Topics:
June 3 - 1952 - Keyboardist - Southern rock - Lynyrd Skynyrd

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Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Powell began playing piano at a young age. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida with his family as a teenager and enrolled at Bishop Kenny High School, where he met Leon Wilkeson, the future bassist of Skynyrd.

Related Topics:
Corpus Christi, Texas - Jacksonville, Florida - Leon Wilkeson

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Powell worked as a roadie for Skynyrd beginning in 1970. While setting up for a show one day in 1972, he began to play his own version of Skynyrd song "Free Bird". Songwriter and vocalist Ronnie Van Zant was impressed and invited him to join the band as the keyboardist.

Related Topics:
1970 - 1972 - Free Bird - Ronnie Van Zant

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Lynyrd Skynyrd received national exposure starting in 1973 with the release of their first album and hit single "Free Bird". They disbanded in 1977 when a plane crash killed members Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines. Powell continued to perform in various bands until Skynyrd's reunion in 1987.

Related Topics:
1973 - 1977 - Steve Gaines - Cassie Gaines - 1987

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Powell and guitarist Gary Rossington are the only two members from the classic lineup of Lynyrd Skynyrd who continue to record and perform with the reunited band today.

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