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The initial tune I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought 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 pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to blast at a party
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can no longer listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that makes me cry
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. 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.