Cat Stevens Biography
Cat Stevens, birthed Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948, in London, United Kingdom, is a British musician, singer-songwriter, as well as philanthropist. A popular number in the folk-rock genre during the 1960s and also 1970s, he created numerous hit tunes as well as cds, later transforming to Islam as well as adopting the name Yusuf Islam in 1977. In recent times he has gone back to music, launching a collection of popular albums under the name Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
Early Life and Education
Steven Georgiou was born to a Greek Cypriot daddy, Stavros Georgiou, as well as a Swedish mother, Ingrid Wickman. He matured in the culturally varied neighborhood of Soho, where his parents ran the Moulin Rouge, a prominent restaurant. Exposed to a selection of music impacts from a young age, he occupied the piano at age 6 as well as later on learned to play the guitar.
Georgiou attended numerous art institutions before committing to a music occupation. His choice was influenced by his older brother, David Gordon, that was enthusiastic concerning songs and would certainly offer his bro with documents by artists like
Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and also
Nina Simone.
Early Music Career
In 1966, at the age of 18, Georgiou started executing under the phase name Cat Stevens, which he supposedly picked due to the fact that a partner at the time told him he had the eyes of a cat. He soon stood out with his one-of-a-kind singing design as well as introspective lyrics. That same year, he signed a publishing take care of Ardmore & Beechwood as well as a recording contract with producer Mike Hurst.
Cat Stevens' first album, "Matthew and also Son", was released in 1967 and also attained immediate success. The title track as well as the solitary "I Love My Dog" both got to the UK graphes. A second album, "New Masters", was released in December 1967 however stopped working to achieve the very same level of success.
In 1969, after recovering from a major round of consumption and also costs a number of months in convalescence, Stevens re-emerged with a more mature noise and also a newly found dedication to spirituality. He signed with Island Records and started working together with producer Paul Samwell-Smith, resulting in the cd "Mona Bone Jakon" (1970). This would certainly note the start of Cat Stevens' most prolific and effective period.
Industrial Success
Throughout the 1970s, Cat Stevens generated a string of albums that would concern specify his occupation. In 1971, he launched "Tea for the Tillerman", that included the hit tracks "Wild World" as well as "Father and Son". This is pertained to by numerous doubters to be his finest album as well as accomplished multi-platinum status.
In fast succession came "Teaser and the Firecat" (1971), which featured the classics "Morning Has Broken" and also "Peace Train", followed by "Catch Bull at Four" (1972), which covered the United States graphes, and also "Foreigner" (1973), which included the hit "The Hurt".
Conversion to Islam and Philanthropy
In 1976, Cat Stevens virtually sank while swimming off the coast of Malibu, California. He attributes his survival to magnificent treatment as well as started a spiritual trip-- one that culminated in his conversion to Islam in 1977. Subsequently, he changed his name to Yusuf Islam as well as relinquished the popular song service, concentrating on philanthropy and education in the Muslim area.
During his time away from the music sector, Yusuf founded numerous institutions, introduced an Islamic record tag, and came to be a forthright supporter for numerous philanthropic causes. He was awarded the "World Social Award" in 2003 and also the "Man of Peace" award by the Nobel Peace Prize laureates in 2004.
Return to Music
In 2006, greater than 25 years after stepping far from the limelight, Yusuf went back to songs under the name Yusuf/Cat Stevens, releasing the cd "An Other Cup". The cd received positive evaluations, with several doubters applauding his go back to a more folk-rock noise.
Ever since, he has actually released a number of more albums and returned to the visiting scene. In 2014, Cat Stevens was inducted right into the Rock as well as Roll Hall of Fame, validating his long-lasting impact as well as relevance within the songs market.
Personal Life
Yusuf has been wed to his wife Fauzia Mubarak Ali considering that 1979, and also they have 5 children with each other. While he will always be known for his significant payments to the world of songs, Yusuf Islam's dedication to education and learning, philanthropy, as well as interfaith understanding remains equally significant. Today, Cat Stevens continues to leave an indelible mark on the songs market and also inspire a new generation of fans with his classic tunes as well as provocative verses.
Our collection contains 41 quotes who is written / told by Cat.
Related authors: Nina Simone (Musician), Jim Capaldi (Musician), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Bob Dylan (Musician)
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