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The earliest track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance 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 sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely recite each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the record on the record player, I was captivated.

The tune that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.