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The first tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely recite each line to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal tune to put on at a gathering
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, 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 massive track.

The track I can no longer bear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The song I’d like played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.