Presley's songwriter Linde dies

Burning Love was one of Elvis Presley's last big hits

Songwriter Dennis Linde, who wrote one of Elvis Presley's last major hits, Burning Love, has died aged 63.

Linde, who also wrote Goodbye Earl for the Dixie Chicks, and Callin' Baton Rouge for Garth Brooks, had been suffering from a rare lung disease.

Burning Love was a hit for Presley in 1972, five years before his death. It reached number seven in the UK chart.

A prolific country and western writer, he was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.

He was also named songwriter of the year by US music rights organisation BMI in 1994.

Born in Abilene, Texas, Linde became hooked on music after he was given a guitar by his grandmother.

His family said they were planning a celebration of his life for the new year.