Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) When we heard that Yusuf Islam was performing at this year's award ceremony for the Nobel Peace Prize, we wondered: Is that the dude who used to be called Cat Stevens? Who wrote songs for the 1971 cult film "Harold and Maude"? Sure enough, it's the same guy. In the late '70s, Cat Stevens converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and walked away from music. In 1989 he resurfaced for a time when he allegedly supported Iran's fatwa against author Salmon Rushdie. Though largely out of the limelight, the singer-songwriter who recorded dozens of feel-good classics, including "Wild World," "Moonshadow," and "Morning Has Broken," has been a busy man these past few decades. After the Rushdie affair, Islam climbed back on the peace train and became an outspoken activist. He spoke out against 9/11, runs a charity that focuses on peace and poverty, and was named a Man for Peace by the Nobel Peace Laureates in 2004. Yusuf Islam has even picked up the guitar again, and he released "An Other Cup" last month -- his first album of original music in 30 years. Suggested Sites... Yusuf Islam - Official site for the singer-songwriter who used to be known as Cat Stevens. Yusuf Islam Reflects on his Return - CBS interview with the artist formerly known at Cat Stevens as he reflects on his return and his first album in nearly 30 years. Yusuf Islam and his Conversion - extensive interview with Yusuf Islam on his music career and conversion to Islam. Small Kindness - helping victims of war and conflict.

Directory categories: Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Islam, Peace Organizations

Archived under: Entertainment, Music, Nobel Prize, Religion, Yusuf Islam

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