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The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably remember 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 every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.