Of the several surviving bandmates, one of them was Billy Powell. The famed keyboardist was one of the band's most recognized members, but he was not an original member, despite what some might think. Powell joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972 — almost 10 years after it was founded and just two years before their smash hit song came out. Powell initially started out as a road technician for the band and later became the main keyboard player (via Al). During his time with the band, one day Van Zant heard Powell play the piano version of the group's song "Free Bird" and decided to hire him (via Boston).
Powell wasn't a founding member and also wasn't a native of Florida. Though Jacksonville is famed for being the birthplace of Lynyrd Skynyrd, only four members were from the city. Powell was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on June 3, 1952. However, the Sunshine State did eventually become Powell's home when he attended high school and college there. In later life, Jacksonville was his home and where he died.
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