Lynyrd Skynyrd pianist Billy Powell dies

By Agence France-Presse

LOS ANGELES — Lynyrd Skynyrd pianist Billy Powell, one of the longest-serving members of the 1970s supergroup, has died aged 56, the band announced on its website Wednesday.

Powell, a survivor of the 1977 plane crash in Mississippi that claimed the lives of six people including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, died on Tuesday, the statement said without giving further details.

“Beloved pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night,” the statement said. “The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you.”

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