The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions

The earliest song I became enamored with
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 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 perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I oddly recite all the words to
I just became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best track to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, 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 hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The song that gets me emotional
All music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and utter perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
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.

Brian White
Brian White

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories and delivering accurate, timely news to readers worldwide.