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The initial track I was captivated by
My earliest memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing at sing-along
I honestly cannot stand public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I know almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, 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 ideal piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord without fail.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.