Yusuf Islam

British Folk Singer-Songwriter and Philanthropist

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, is a renowned British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans several decades. He first gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s with a string of hits that included "Wild World," "Father and Son," and "Peace Train." His early work was characterized by its melodic folk-pop style and introspective lyrics. In 1977, after a near-death experience and a period of personal reflection, Stevens converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and left the music industry for nearly three decades to focus on education and philanthropy within the Muslim community.