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The first song I was captivated by
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

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

The song I strangely remember every lyric to
I just realised that I can recall virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to play at a party
It relies on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, 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 never bear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The tune that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The piece that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

The track I’d like performed at my final send-off
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.