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The first song I was captivated by
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I strangely know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to put on at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The piece that makes me cry
Virtually any music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
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.