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Billy Powell Obituary
Keyboard player Billy Powell called 911 about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m., said Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett.
Powell, 56, who has a history of heart problems, missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected. No autopsy will be performed because Powell's cardiologist will sign the death certificate, Cornett said.
The Jacksonville-based band was formed in 1966 by a group of high school students - famously, it took its name from a P.E. teacher they disliked, Leonard Skinner. Powell joined the group around 1972, the year before they released their first album, "Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd."
It became one of the South's most popular rock groups, and gained national fame with such hits as "Free Bird," "What's Your Name" and especially "Sweet Home Alabama," which reached the top 10 on the national charts in 1974.
The band was decimated on Oct. 20, 1977, when their chartered plane crashed in a swamp near McComb, Miss.
Six people were killed - lead singer Ronnie Van Zant; guitarist Steve Gaines; and his sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines; as well as an assistant road manager, the pilot and co-pilot.
Powell was one of the survivors.
Two years after the accident, Powell and fellow members Allen Collins, Gary Rossington and Leon Wilkeson formed the Rossington-Collins Band. It broke up in 1982.
Powell was on hand again in 1991 when a revived version of the band put out a new album, "Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991" and launched a tour in Baton Rouge, La., where the band was headed in 1977 when the plane crashed. Fans who kept their tickets from the canceled 1977 concert were admitted free.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
1542 Entries
Robert Powell
July 7, 2025
I will always miss you, you were great. I still have this envelope from the funeral uncle Billy.
Charlie and Mona Ralston
July 6, 2025
Seen them twice at the Holliday Star theater in Illinois and noblesville ind.rip my brother see you in heaven.
Tim Gillain
November 26, 2024
I attended J.D. in the '60s and grew up in Cedar Hills,westside. I knew Bill, his brother Rick, Leon, and everbody else around there. Id go see the 1% at the Sugar Bowl back then, and what days those were.
When y'got t'go, y'got t'go. One day, we'll all be gone. Skynyrd was good Rock n' Roll!
Really is scary seeing everyone passing on.
God bless Bill and his family in these tumultuous times.
Sincerely, Tim Gillain.
David K. P
October 21, 2024
God bless the Greatest Piano player ever...RIP
How you can show support
Joe F
October 20, 2024
God Bless Lynyrd Skynyrd 47 years ago today... RIP
Steve G.
October 16, 2024
Greatest piano/keyboard player EVER! Rest In Paradise Mr. Powell. Skynyrd Nation misses you.
Joe F
September 19, 2024
RIP Billy.. FREBIRD LIVES ON
Gilson Anderson
September 14, 2024
Thank you Billy , rest in peace ! ( i saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live)
Robert Powell
January 30, 2024
You were simply the best, rip. Billy
Joe F
January 26, 2024
RIP Billy
Joe F
September 8, 2023
RIP Billy
John W Edwards
September 7, 2023
Billy was a Great Piano player, no doubt!!..Without his piano, the band wouldnt have been complete!..His Freebird piano playing runs through my head often..
Greg Wellman
April 19, 2023
Rest In Peace Billy Powell. I never met you but I wish I had gotten the chance. I have always been amazed through the years when I listen to all the live solos and studio work.that you performed. So I got to wondering, who could really match your talent when it comes to Rock-n-Roll Pianists/Keyboards, and so I really started to pick them apart. I won't list all the huge names on here but everyone knows who they are. Something tells me that you would be a humble man, when it comes to comparisons to such huge names like another man named Billy, Billy Joel that is, and I'm just going to tell it like it is, Billy Powell, you stand alone as the best of them all! Thanks Brother for Playin It Pretty. I'm sure Leon would agree... To God Be The Glory,
April McKnight
March 31, 2023
RIP Mr. Billy Powell. You have and always will be the best piano players of all time. Rock on, Mr. Breeze
Joe Ferlazzo
February 7, 2023
RIP FREEBIRD
Michael John Darling
February 6, 2023
To the friends and family of the great Billy Powell. Best wishes and Godspeed to Billy Powell. He was a cool human being.
Joe Ferlazzo
January 26, 2022
God Bless... Freebird..
Joe Ferlazzo
August 27, 2021
Yes.. I still remember you..Free bird.
mark
February 20, 2021
a great musician you are missed
David Noble
May 7, 2020
Just a simple thank you Billy!
He sure played it pretty
Ellen Powell
December 5, 2019
Bea Howard-Lindsey
April 30, 2019
Seems like only yesterday that we were all looking forward to our futures and making wonderful, new things happen my Ellen dearest. Where did time go. Jasmine and I love you and Mags and Ashely Rose. Always have, always will. Stay in touch please. Times a-,wastin'.......
[email protected]
865-567-7613
Ricky Dowdy
February 7, 2019
Thanks Billy for the great music and the love you had for your fans..we will miss you very much..,
May 9, 2018
Billy Powell was an amazing pianist. Just a fan and admirer.
Holly Block
April 24, 2018
We chose Freebird as the song for my husband of 35 years funeral. I now listen to it every night as a tribute to him.
John Estep
February 10, 2018
Just a fan of his and the band
Harry Simpson
January 28, 2018
Godspeed Billy, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
October 13, 2017
RIP you guys are missed so much.
Tommy King
August 26, 2017
Billy I had the pleasure of meeting you a few times . I was raised with Thumper coming around my house quite often , and tagged along in 87' on a couple of shows with you guys on Tribute Tour . You were one of the most humble people I ever met . You are like a pole bear , I have seen you wear shorts in freezing weather and sweat . You were and incrediable musicians and humanitarians , love and miss you Billy
Gerald Burgos
August 15, 2017
I had no idea Billy was a BK grad (I am one, c/o '84)... RIP, you and the rest of LS left a great footprint in music.
DONNY WAGERS
August 6, 2017
Rest in peace..you will never be forgotten...
A Friend
July 14, 2017
Always inspired by your music. You brought happiness to many people.
Jimmy Henry
February 19, 2017
Was listening to Skynyrd and hearing the best honky tonk piano playing on earth. Greatly missed and thought of often.
Managing the Playtime Theatre & Flea Market on Blanding Blvd.
Troy Powell
February 10, 2017
I remember when Bill lived on peter pan street with his mom. Everybody played sports in the middle of the street back then without getting ran over, then his mom would holler out, "Billy, it's time for your piano lesson." Then he would holler out, "Aw come on mom, I'm still fetching football." The teacher gave the money back and said, "I can't teach him, he has a gift, maybe he can teach me." He loved to play opera music. See you on the other side cuz.
Douglas B.
February 10, 2017
BEST, EVER KEYBOARDIST!!!! ....can't believe Mr. Powell is gone. Thank God I saw Billy once in my lifetime!! (Target Center, 2007) I will FOREVER have the GREAT memory of seeing Mr. Powell live! I will NEVER forget that concert!! R.I.P. Billy & ALL of the great Lynyrd Skynyrd players gone! AMAZING, ALL of THEM!!!!!
Steve Journey
October 7, 2016
All these years later and I am still missing you Billy. Thank you for not only making me a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, but a fan of music. All types of music. You and all the rest of the Free Birds are missed every day. Still rocking to all the great tunes you brought to life, Rest Well Billy.
Virginia Caston
August 7, 2016
RIP! You sure are missed ny a lot of people.
Cathy Kennedy
July 18, 2016
Miss you Billy RIP U are up there with ur band mates
Marie Hollingshead
July 15, 2016
Love you Billy. Baddest pianist in the land. We grew up to your music late 70s Rahway NJ and forever mastered your solo in " Call me the Breeze". Forever respected and loved. Thanks Billy and Skynard for the amazing memories!
LaDonna Stewart
April 30, 2016
Wow so sad. Fly home free bird. You will be greatly missed
John Kinsley
February 1, 2016
you were the best piano player in rock n roll Tuesdays Gone is prooff of that. my only regret is i never got to meet you .God bless you and your family .
Al Brown
December 23, 2015
Fly on proud Bird
, you're free at last!
Al Brown
December 23, 2015
Fly on proud Bird. You are missed so very much Billy. Ellen and family, you all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Billy Haley
December 21, 2015
You are in Rock and Roll Heaven with your Skynyrd Brothers and Sisters. Rest in Peace my friend.
November 19, 2015
Thinking of you with an abundance of love always and forever. ❤
Rick Mitchell
August 28, 2015
One of the greatest musicians of all times. He is the one who inspired me to play the keyboard when I was younger.
You are missed Billy.
RIP
kristen collins
August 17, 2015
I will never forget the late Ronnie Van Zant and Billy Powell. The band was unforgettable they will never be another band like lynard skynard. Ronnie asked will anyone remember me when i'm gone the answer is( yes). Billy Powell was another one that no one will ever forget. RIP your legacy will live on through your songs. Always a fan and my prayer's go out to the Powell family.
Anthony Porcarello
August 4, 2015
Another great TX musician is forever left us in body, but will always be with us in Spirit and in song, RIP my friend, you are missed!
Sandra chambers
June 3, 2015
RIP..great piano player! ...and join your brothers agian. Your music will always remain....<3
michael xarhis
May 21, 2015
Billy was great in Kansas city September 13 1974 at municipal auditorium with elvin bishop band.freebird was outrages!he pounded the keys hard and loud! rip billy!
Lisa Finney
May 18, 2015
God's speed! You and the original band mates are playing once again. RIP.
April 14, 2015
everlasting peace
Darwin Grose
April 5, 2015
RIP Billy , you will never be forgotten.
Mark Messore
March 1, 2015
The Real Piano Man...We love and miss you Billy....
marion Mcateer
January 26, 2015
been a long time since you leftthey'll never be the same billy you're the best play a keyboard for heaven free birds you'll always misses thanks where are the good years from kentucky
bea a.h. lindsey
December 31, 2014
Ellen,lft.message a while ago.Was comp.compromised so had to chge.mail address.Please call me.
bea a.h. lindsey
December 25, 2014
I am remembering you as I do on every special occasion. I think of Ellen and the girls and the boysand I miss all of you so much.you and Ellen were truly my friends and that will forever keep my heart a little lighter.
Douglas Hayes
November 13, 2014
Billy - thank you for sharing your God given talent with the world! We still listen to all of your great music - we will always remember you! Thanks to the person who keeps this gallery on line!
henry mcateer
October 19, 2014
rest in peace rock the heavens need a man it won't be the same
Henry m C Hey
October 19, 2014
rest in peace my friend thanks for all the years of great music what a friend rock the heavens
Maidofhonor Me
September 23, 2014
Ellen,me at 865 964 5089 missing you and girls all the time.
September 17, 2014
Billy Powell's Music Lives Forever
Bennie R. Bryant, Jr.
July 22, 2014
"GOD-SPEED" Billy, And All My Love To Your Family. I first saw you guy's in Jacksonville early 1972 The magic you made with every stroke of the key's eternally filled my heart and brought so much joy to me. Till this day I still play your music. You will be missed so much but your music will last forever. Thank You, "UNCLE BEAU"
Bea Lindsey
July 19, 2014
my condolences to the whole family.I loved the man who loved my friend,Ellen.
Joe Wallace
May 28, 2014
Billy, Thanks for the great music all of those years, still brings happiness to many people just listening to you and the band. Glad I was able to see you in concert before you passed, it was magical. God bless you and your family, you will never be forgotten..
Jonathan Burgess
March 12, 2014
We will see you again.
bob borum
February 5, 2014
very sorry for your loss
ANN SCHRETZMANN
January 30, 2014
R.I.P.
The Cook Family
January 29, 2014
Thinking of Billy's family and wishing them peace on the anniversary of his passing. Billy left such a legacy to his family first, and then to all the fans who thoroughly enjoyed him and his playing. He will always be missed. Fly High Freebird.
January 28, 2014
so sorry for your loss
January 28, 2014
My sincere sympathy
mike a
January 9, 2014
wow i just saw this today in 2014 so i said maybe someone will see it and think of it not bad which i intend it to be nothing but to be good to his family. i loved skynyrd i never got to see the real original version play but did see billy once in clemson sc in the learly 2000, s just after leon passed away. they meant so much to me as a kid growing up they were all i listened too i play a bass and sing in church i learned so much from thier way of making music and many thanks to them all god bless and fly on proud bird one day ill be in heavan dancing to gimmie three steps with billy playuing we will all know one another then wont it be wonderful in heavan i pray if you dont know god please get right with god now its sooner than you think folks!!
November 27, 2013
Rest in peace Billy. You are missed
colleen wood
October 29, 2013
The magic you created can never be duplicated.. it was deep and heartfelt. The world has lost an amazing talent and a great man. Rest in peace my friend.
Ellen Powell
October 21, 2013
i don't know how much longer I can go on without you...
Belle Luna
October 20, 2013
God Bless you Billy, you are with my son and sister. They will help guide your way. Xoxo
Linda Darnold
October 4, 2013
Miss you Billy....You were a special talent! I know you are with the best...Ronnie,Leon,Cassie,Steve,JOJO,Allen. Play on Freebirds.
Scott Thomas
September 12, 2013
We met at the airport in Jacksonville. You spent about an hour with me and my kids talking and laughing as we all waited for our flights. You gained my respect and two new young fans. God bless you Billy.
Ellen Powell
August 22, 2013
~ Missing you madly, my love ~
suzette campbell
July 10, 2013
Billy...U, Ronnie and the guys made music history. i look forward to meeting yall someday in the great beyond and hearing the greatest band in history together once more.
Brian Green
April 13, 2013
Billy, one day I know I'll get to meet you in heaven & personally thank you for the beautiful music you helped create, but more importantly I will thank you for your testimony of Salvation & how it impacted so many lives including my own. See you on the other side brother.
December 8, 2012
thinking of you with love this holiday season
~ Forever Love ~
October 11, 2012
Tommy Powell
September 14, 2012
Billy the world misses you......You had an incredible life while here on earth. You were only 8 when your father
died and you turned out great. I still have the 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd photo that you signed to me "cousin Tom" along
with your words of wisdom for me. I am glad you brought God into your life during the 80's..so play on in heaven.
Jon Rowell
August 26, 2012
Billy was my childhood
hero. I grew up on the
Westside of Jacksonvile,
Billy was like a protector
of the younger kids & saved
my butt from one famous
neighborhood bully more than
a few times.
I'll miss him forever.
Now, he's a FREEBIRD to.
February 1, 2012
Three years since you've left us....
YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!
wanda lee
December 29, 2011
2012 is coming up and you are missed as much today . You are in our hearts. I know you are playing Lynyrd Skynyrd in heaven.
Fly high...YOU truly are a Freebird
December 25, 2011
December 25, 2011
Lighting a candle for you this Christmas Eve
felicia BRITTON
September 28, 2011
ellen easter powell i'm trying to get a hold of you..we met a Famous Amos one night when you were leaving...my son was with me and we talked for about an hour and you gave me your name to look you up on FB but I'm not able to fine it...Felicia Britton
August 31, 2011
In remembrance of the man with the golden fingers..........God bless the family of Mr. Billy Powell........The world has lost a golden talent who will be remembered for eons of time.! sincerely and with deepest sympathy , Billy D. Clopton
July 20, 2011
Our most beloved band member. The man with a beautiful smile who appeared to always be happy. We loved watching you play! thank you for leaving us with your incredible music. You are in our hearts everyday, Mr.Powell.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Cornelia Schieferdecker
January 28, 2011
He was a naturel talent.God bless your family.
REST IN PEACE
REST IN PEACE !
Cornelia Schieferdecker
January 28, 2011
Bill Massey jr.
January 22, 2011
I got to be with Billy & his wife & 2 girls in 1990 TRIBUTE TOUR.I am Mr. Roll4Rock dubbed by Lacy VanZant,in 1995 after years of following the band and Allen Collins dream to raise Awareness thru Wheelchair events. Billy Powell was very kind to give me a seat with his family, I thank you and remember how kind Ellen was. You have been in my Prayers always, as is Allens Father ,Dale ,and Johnny.GOD Bless you all.
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