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The first tune I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a 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 the group Darts. The first single I purchased 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 noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably recite every lyric to
I recently discovered that I know pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to put on 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 party deepens, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can not hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, 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 electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard without fail.

The song I’d like performed at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.