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The earliest tune I became enamored with
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the small dance 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 purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to blast at a soirée
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can never bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate song to make love 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 classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. 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. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.