Billy Powell, RIP

So they’re down to one — original member, that is. Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell, one of the last two surviving founders of the seven-piece band that arguably defined Southern rock, died in his home in Florida today.

Skynyrd was so big that a plane crash couldn’t kill them all — and the surviving members carried on for years, even as others passed away after the crash. They spawned dozens of mediocre imitators, but Skynyrd themselves remain as fun to listen to as ever — and not even living in northern Florida would I ever tire of them. As for Billy, if anything’s for certain, he’ll be remembered for one of the most recognizable piano parts in all of rock:

Tagged as: Billy Powell, Florida, Jacksonville, Lynyrd Skynyrd, southern rock