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The initial track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first record 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 Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I know 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 ideal song to blast at a gathering
It relies on the point 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 evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The number I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.

The song I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.