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The first tune I became enamored with
My first memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a new vinyl 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 the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I oddly know each line to
I recently realised that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It hinges on which phase 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 move on to the Artist, 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 not bear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord consistently.

The music 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.