John Simm's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The earliest tune I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely know each line to
I not long ago discovered that I know almost 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 hinges on what stage of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling 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 undeniable hit.

The song I can no longer listen to
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the tune and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going consistently.

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

Cynthia Boone
Cynthia Boone

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering global affairs and digital trends, passionate about storytelling and data-driven reporting.