The Actor's Revealing Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial song I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely remember all the words to
I recently 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 best tune to blast at a gathering
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David 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 absolute banger.

The number I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate piece to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The track that gets me emotional
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

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

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson

Elara is an interior designer with over a decade of experience, specializing in sustainable home makeovers and sharing practical design insights.