Considered one of the most important artists in the history of music, Cat Stevens started his musical career in the 60s, and transformed himself into one of the most important artists in history! As well as his music, his life has been a real adventure in terms of his search for its meaning.

“I Love My Dog” and “Matthew and Son” were part of his early chart hits in 1967. That same year saw songs written for other artists such as “Here Comes My Baby” and “The First Cut Is The Deepest”; the latter going on to become an international multi hit.
In 1968, Cat Stevens contracted tuberculosis due to the heavy work load of touring, TV, interviews and Pop-star life, which hospitalised him for several months. It began a process of inner reflection and meditation.

Following his recovery, and with a new perspective on the world, Cat Stevens had a deep musical transformation, during which he wrote some 40 songs and reviewed aspects of his personal way of life. His lyrics became more subtle and intuitive, and he was now beginning to explore spiritual paths.

From 1970 to 1974 he recorded and released the albums that would establish him as a leading Singer-songwriter of his generation. His next major album, Tea for the Tillerman, from 1970, went gold in the U.S. with such songs as Wild World, Hard Headed Woman, Where Do the Children Play? and Father & Son, which years later re orbited as a massive hit in the 90s for the young Irish band Boyzone. But no doubt it was Teaser and the Firecat in 1971 that made him a megastar, with songs like Morning Has Broken, Peace Train and Moonshadow.

He experienced another momentous and life changing moment in 1975, almost drowning whilst swimming in the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. Soon after Cat received a copy of the Koran and in 1977 he embraced Islam.

He loved the name Joseph and took its Arabic equivalent as his new name, becoming Yusuf Islam. Then he amazed the world by walking away from fame and his career as a music star, to start a family and immerse himself in charity work and education.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens is available for corporate events, private shows, milestone celebrations (birthday, anniversary), fundraisers, festivals, and more.