Yusuf / Cat Stevens developed from a polished teen idol of the 1960s into a long-haired peace loving troubadour and one of the most iconic singer-songwriters of the 1970s. He grew up in the heart of London’s West End amid the Soho coffee shops, folk clubs and the progressive style of Carnaby Street. Cat enjoyed early success with ‘I Love My Dog’ and ‘Matthew & Son,’ and even toured with The Jimi Hendrix Experience. However, the excesses of the pop star lifestyle took their toll and in 1968 he was stricken down with a near fatal bout of TB.

After a long recovery Cat re-emerged with a new stripped-down acoustic sound. A string of seminal albums including “Tea for the Tillerman” and “Teaser and the Firecat” launched him to superstardom. His compassionate and imaginative songs resonated in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Throughout the 70s he enjoyed tremendous commercial success and yet within his heart he was searching for something more. His spiritual quest ultimately saw him withdraw from fame and the music industry at the end of the decade. 

Cat converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf and dedicated himself to a life of service through education and charity. He has received international recognition for his tireless efforts in the field of Humanitarian Relief including the 2003 ‘World Social Award’ and the 2004 Man of Peace award for having worked to “alleviate the suffering of thousands of children and their parents and dedicating himself to promoting peace, reconciling people and the condemnation of terrorism.” In 2003 Yusuf returned to mainstream music making where he continues to use his platform to build bridges in an increasingly divided world and to spread his life-long message of peace.  

Yusuf / Cat Stevens belongs to a generation of artists who defined the singer-songwriter genre by opening their hearts and baring their souls to the whole world. He has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Halls of Fame and with the likes of ‘Father & Son,’ ‘The First Cut is the Deepest,’ ‘Wild World,’ and his timeless anthem of hope ‘Peace Train’ he is responsible for some of the most beloved and enduring songs in the cannon of popular music.