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The earliest tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the mini disco 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just became aware that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best song to blast at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can no longer listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

The music I’d like performed 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.