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The earliest song I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The very first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I strangely recite every lyric to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to put on at a party
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The LP that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The track that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.

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