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The first track I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher 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 record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, 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 number I can never hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

The track I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.