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The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to play at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

The tune that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The track I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. 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.