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The initial song I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to blast at a party
It hinges on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that makes me cry
Most music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.