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The first tune I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I have memorized almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to play at a soirée
It hinges on which phase of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the 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 Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The number I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate piece to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
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.