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The initial track I became enamored with
My earliest memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick 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 the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely remember every lyric to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through 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 number I can no longer bear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The LP that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.