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The first song I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized 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 single I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group 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 noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I inexplicably remember all the words to
I recently realised that I know pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to play at a gathering
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, 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 Las Vegas band.

The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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

The piece that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.