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The earliest tune I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at karaoke
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect song to blast at a gathering
It relies on the point of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can no longer listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The music I’d like played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.