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The first song I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best track to play at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can not bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The song that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The track that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

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