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The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, 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 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 tune I sing at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I oddly know each line to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal song to play at a party
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely 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 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 loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and 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 introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

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
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.