I wish his songs would last forever, says Dylan as Gordon Lightfoot dies, aged 84

In the ear;y morning rain ...

Dylan’s favourite singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has died at the age of 84.

The Canadian musician followed in Bob’s footsteps in the 60s and 70s with Early Morning Rain and If You Could Read My Mind.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as one of the country's greatest singer-songwriters.

"Gordon Lightfoot captured our country's spirit in his music - and in doing so, he helped shape Canada's soundscape," he tweeted.

Gordon died of natural causes at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto on Monday.

Dylan once said: "I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Every time I heard a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever."

Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986, which said he was responsible for "dozens of classic, enduring and chart-topping" compositions.