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The earliest track I fell in love with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece 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 each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best tune to put on at a party
It hinges on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can no longer bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

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

The piece that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter brilliance of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.