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The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago became aware that I know pretty much all the lyrics 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 gathering
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can no longer bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best track to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Virtually any music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

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