Folk singer Sylvia Tyson knew Gordon Lightfoot longer than most others.

The longtime friend of Lightfoot — who was also one half of the Yorkville duo Ian & Sylvia — is reflecting on her memories of Lightfoot who died Monday at age 84.

She and Ian caught one of Lightfoot’s early performances at Steele’s Tavern on Yonge Street inspiring them to later cover “For Lovin’ Me.”

Sylvia says Lightfoot’s desire to write the perfect song was something he sweated blood over. And she adds one one of the greatest misconceptions about Lightfoot is that because his songs were so articulate, he was also a great conversationalist.

In fact, she says he was very shy and reserved.