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The first song I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, 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 vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably remember each line to
I recently discovered that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to blast at a party
It depends on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David 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 absolute banger.

The number I can no longer hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The LP 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 Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

The song I’d like to be played 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.