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The initial song I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, 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 Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely know each line to
I just realised that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to play at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would most likely 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 Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

The music 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.