Overview
When Cat Stevens transformed into Yusuf Islam and embraced the Muslim faith in the late 1970s, he not only stepped away from music but also sparked quite a conversation. Bob Dylan reportedly commented that Stevens had “finally stopped trying to be the prophet and begun to follow The Prophet.” This quote, highlighted in Islam’s autobiography, reflects both the spiritual essence of Stevens’ music and the boldness of his journey.
Why It Matters
In the early 1970s, the music scene was filled with introspective folk singers, but none explored spirituality as deeply as Cat Stevens. His works included references to Buddha and Zen poetry, and his songs often encouraged listeners to “kick out the devil” and “get to heaven.” His rendition of “Morning Has Broken” even topped the US charts in 1972. Given these spiritual preoccupations, few would have predicted his withdrawal from the music industry for religious pursuits.
Reading his autobiography, it becomes clear that his departure from fame was not unexpected, especially considering how uncomfortable he felt in the limelight. Stevens’ formative years were spent above his parents’ café in London, where he experienced a unique childhood in a city that many find unaffordable today. Amazingly, he looks back fondly on his time at a Catholic school, often a source of frustration for others, describing it as “haunted” by the idea of angels observing one’s actions.
His Musical Journey
During his teenage years, Stevens transitioned from a “pill-popping mod” to a serious musician, inspired by Bob Dylan. By 1966, at just 19, he achieved a record deal with his hit single “I Love My Dog,” followed quickly by “Matthew and Son,” which reached No. 2 in the UK. Despite his instant stardom, Stevens found the experience overwhelming; he described live performances as “degrading” and interviews akin to being “placed in the stocks.”
Buddhism, the Bible, meditation, the I-Ching: you couldn’t accuse him of not shopping around before settling on Islam.
A brush with tuberculosis drastically shifted his perspective. He abandoned heavily orchestrated pop music in favor of soulful, introspective lyrics. His albums “Tea for the Tillerman” (1970) and “Teaser and the Firecat” (1971) achieved remarkable success, selling millions worldwide. As the 1970s progressed, Stevens experimented with various spiritual ideologies—Buddhism, the Bible, and even the I Ching—before ultimately committing to Islam following a near-death experience in the ocean.
A Shift in Priorities
Stevens left his past behind, rejecting drugs and multiple relationships for a traditional Muslim marriage. Surprisingly, he found contentment in his decision to step away from music, declaring his songwriting had “reached a cul-de-sac.” With financial stability from royalties, he pursued charity work instead. However, the media remained fixated on his celebrity status, often portraying him bafflingly, especially after 9/11 when he found himself on a no-fly list.
His occasional controversial remarks, such as jokes about the Salman Rushdie fatwa, did little to quell public scrutiny. Nonetheless, this turmoil encouraged him to delve deeper into Islamic principles and eventually led him back to music through comeback albums and performances, where he embraced both his identities as Cat Stevens and Yusuf Islam.
Key Takeaways
Yusuf Islam’s narrative is a testament to transformation and resilience. His early struggles with fame reveal the complexity of celebrity life, while his later commitment to spirituality illustrates a profound personal journey. As he wraps up his autobiography with a reflective poem, it’s clear that his experiences have shaped him, yet the essence of his artistic spirit remains intact.
Final Thoughts
Yusuf Islam’s journey from pop superstardom to spiritual enlightenment and back to music is a compelling story of self-discovery. It challenges the notion of success and happiness and serves as a reminder that true fulfillment often lies in understanding oneself deeply.
