Artist formely known as Cat Stevens to released pop album.

[Jesse Joe]

CP Entertainment News





Artist formerly known as Cat Stevens to release pop album in November.


NEW YORK (AP) - The artist formerly known as Cat Stevens will release his first pop album in 28 years this fall.

Stevens, who changed his name to Yusuf Islam after converting to Islam in the late 1970s, has signed with Atlantic Records in conjunction with his Ya Records label, it was announced Thursday.

"I feel right about making music and singing about life in this fragile world again," the 58-year-old singer-songwriter said in a statement. "It is important for me to be able to help bridge the cultural gaps others are sometimes frightened to cross."

The album, "An Other Cup," is set for release in November. His last studio album was 1978's "Back to Earth."

"Yusuf's new songs are as moving and timeless as the classics that inspired a generation," Atlantic Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman said in a statement. "His spiritual quest is one of the most extraordinary stories of our time, a life journey marked by courage, devotion and transformation."

The London-born singer had a string of pop hits in the 1960s and '70s including "Here Comes My Baby," "Wild World," "Peace Train" and Moonshadow." After converting to Islam, he changed his name and left the music world.

His charity, Small Kindness, provides aid to orphans and families in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, among other regions.

[ June 03, 2007, 08:53: Message edited by: D18-6 ]

[Rondo]

Good for him. He turned out a remarkable body of music years ago. That he could turn his back to it all - the money and the fame and life in the fast lane - to serve others is equally amazing.

[Jesse Joe]

Yes, I agree with you totaly Rondo. He is an exeptional human being. Always was, very gifted...~Jesse~

[Borderstone]

It doesn't surprise me at all that he decided to delve into the music once again.

Nearly 30 years after walking away,he knows that recording a "pop" (popular music) album doesn't necessarily mean he's turnin his back on his beliefs. Also,he knows that it doesn't mean he "has" to get back into the hecticness of show business.

I think he's just doing it for not only himself,but for the fans that gave him so much between 1970 and 1977.

Personally,my first recollection of Cat Stevens was in my hometown at the local diner named Minnix's. They had a juke-box there and I'd ask my Mom for a quarter (or was it dime in '75?.

I saw the title,"Another Saturday Night" and played that selection by him. So,just like Sundown for GL in '74,I've known of Cat Stevens almost as long.

[Jesse Joe]

Your right BStone, Cat is a cool Cat. But what a great talent. Guitar playing, songwriting, great voice. Smart man that Yusuf Islam. ~Jesse~

[Jesse Joe]

Here is another one, from Sept 9, 2006.

[Patti]

What name will he be using on his new album?

[Jesse Joe]

Yusuf Islam is his name now, the Cat Stevens days are gone.

[Patti]

Ok, thanks. I thought maybe he would use Cat Stevens for a pen name.