How Keyboardist Billy Powell Went From Rock & Roll Roadie To Become Skynyrd’s King Of The Keys
on Feb 24, 2025
When one thinks of Lynyrd Skynyrd, songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird” instantly come to mind. A whole bunch of factors combined to make those songs big hits, but one major reason was Billy Powell.
Billy Powell Was One of Skynyrd’s Early Roadies
Long before Billy ever joined the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, he was already devoted to the band. As it turns out, he was actually one of Skynyrd’s earliest roadies.
Billy Powell was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 3, 1952. He later attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida. After enrolling in Jacksonville’s community college as a music theory major, Billy decided to check out what the city’s music scene had in store for him. He found Skynyrd and started working for the rock band as a roadie while playing in a band with Ronnie Van Zant’s brother, Donnie.
Even though Billy wasn’t paid much to be a roadie, he remained faithful to Skynyrd for nearly two years. Finally, while Billy was setting up for Skynyrd at a show in 1972, he saw a piano in the corner of the room and started playing his own take on “Free Bird.” That was the moment Ronnie knew Billy’s talent had to be utilized, as Billy recalled:
“Ronnie VanZant came up to me and said, ‘You mean to tell me, you’ve been playing the piano like that and you’ve been workin’ for us for a year….’, And I said, ‘Well, you know, I’ve been classically trained most of my life.’ So, right then and there, he said, ‘We need a keyboard player.'”
Billy Powell Becomes Skynyrd’s Keyboardist
The former Skynyrd roadie was welcomed into the group and made countless contributions to its music. He remained with Skynyrd until the group went on hiatus following the 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of members Ronnie Van Zant, Cassie Gaines, and Steve Gaines.
Once the band reunited, Billy rejoined and remained with them until he passed away.
Out of all Skynyrd’s members, Billy certainly has one of the most interesting histories. We’re glad that Ronnie was able to recognize Billy’s talent when he heard it.
What Happened To Billy Powell From Lynyrd Skynyrd?
Billy Powell remained an active member of Skynyrd up until his death in 2009. He died of a heart attack on January 28, 2009, at his home in Orange Park, Florida. He died at the age of 56. Skynyrd later recorded a song, titled “Gifted Hands,” in his honor.
You can watch Billy in action below, proving that he truly was Skynyrd’s King of the Keys. May he rest in peace.
