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The earliest song I fell in love with
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick 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 savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably remember all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually 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 put on at a soirée
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and 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 undeniable hit.

The track I can never listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

The music I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.