Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens, known for his soulful folk-rock hits like "Wild World", embraced Islam and became Yusuf Islam, dedicating his life toζ εδΊδΈ and spiritual music.
Stephen Demetre Georgiou
Folk Singer
July 21, 1948
Cancer
76
London, England
Cat Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou, rose to international fame as a singer-songwriter in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His music blended folk, rock, and pop, captivating audiences with its introspective lyrics and soulful voice. Albums like “Tea for the Tillerman” and “Teaser and the Firecat” featured hits such as “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” and “Peace Train,” which became anthems for a generation.
In 1977, Stevens converted to Islam and adopted the name Yusuf Islam. He temporarily retired from music to focus on his religious studies and philanthropic work. However, he returned to the music scene in the 1990s with the release of “The Life of the Last Prophet” and has continued to release albums and tour occasionally.
Throughout his career, Stevens achieved remarkable success, selling over 60 million albums worldwide and winning four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “Tea for the Tillerman.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
Beyond his musical achievements, Stevens is known for his distinctive fashion sense and his outspoken advocacy for peace and social justice. His music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential folk singers of his generation.