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The earliest song I became enamored with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely recite each line to
I recently became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best track to blast at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, 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 song I can not listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Most music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.