Singer-songwriter recalls playing shows with the late pioneer and reflects on his legacy as ‘the original spirit that moved me’

Bob Dylan has paid moving tribute to rock’n’roll pioneer Little Richard, who died on Saturday aged 87.

Dylan is part of a generation of artists influenced by the wild Georgia-born performer, along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, David Bowie, Prince and Jimi Hendrix.

The singer-songwriter issued a poignant statement via his Twitter account: “I just heard the news about Little Richard and I’m so grieved,” he wrote.