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The first track I fell in love with
My first recollection is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition 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 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 chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to play at a soirée
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The track I can never listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, 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 electrifying rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The piece that gets me emotional
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The music I’d like played at my funeral
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.