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The initial song I became enamored with
My first memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and Lennon yelling: “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 was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl 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 Wings from a record shop 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 tune I do at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly recite all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized almost 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 best track to blast at a party
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. For the beginning 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 Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never listen to
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.

The music I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. 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.