Rockwild

Billy Powell, a keyboardist for the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died at his northeast Florida home. Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett says 56-year-old 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. Cornett says no foul play is suspected and an autopsy will not be performed. He says Powell missed a Tuesday appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected. Billy Powell was one of two surviving band members who were with the group before a 1977 plane crash that killed three of its members. As someone who first started on piano, I can honestly say I always loved Billy's style. I will always remember the first time I heard "Call Me the Breeze" and thinking to myself, man...I want to play like that. He both inspired me want to play the piano, and ultimately, to quit (no way was I ever gonna get there). Just felt the need to speak up...

"Red Bachetta" was the first thing that hit me.