Additional information
by Stevens (Author)
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life, music and spiritual adventures of Yusuf/Cat Stevens, one of the most iconic figures of our time. CAT ON THE ROAD TO FINDOUT is more than a memoir - it's a profound exploration of identity, faith, and the universal search for meaning.
Cat Stevens was launched to fame in the swinging sixties, with chart-topping hits like "Matthew and Son" and "The First Cut is the Deepest." His early career was drastically interrupted by a mortal battle with tuberculosis--a turning point that ignited his quest for peace and understanding. Emerging from this experience, he rapidly rose to become one of the most prolific singer-songwriting icons of the seventies, captivating the world with soul-stirring anthems like "Wild World," "Father and Son," "Peace Train," and "Morning Has Broken."
After exploring Buddhism, Zen, Hinduism, and astrology, in 1975 he once again came face-to-face in a dangerous encounter with fate; a near drowning experience in the ocean led to a transformative commitment to the Omniscient Power which miraculously saved him. This was fulfilled when his brother gifted him a copy of the Qur'an. By 1977, he embraced Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and shocked the world by leaving the music industry, dedicating his life to God, family, and humanitarian work.
Yusuf's inspirational story is one of quest, survival and redemption. With over 100 million records sold and billions of streams, still today, his soulful voice and poetic lyrics continue to inspire, now intertwined with a life of activism and altruism. As a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work, Yusuf has become a global advocate for peace and coexistence.
CAT ON THE ROAD TO FINDOUT unveils the untold chapters of his remarkable journey, illustrated with dozens of drawings in Yusuf's own hand, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight, he reflects on the challenges, controversies, and triumphs that have defined his life, offering readers a rare glimpse into the soul of a man that has lived multiple lives in one--finally shedding light on all those hidden "in-betweens."
Author Biography
Yusuf/Cat Stevens is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time; the profound philosophy embedded within his songs continues to inspire generations. Following a near-fatal bout of tuberculosis at the end of the 1960s, he embarked on a deeply personal quest for spiritual enlightenment, seeking answers, and transcending religious boundaries. Cat's introspective lyrics and melodic charm placed him front and center of a golden generation of singer-songwriters in the 1970s.
His amazing catalogue of songs, including "Father and Son," "Wild World," "Where Do The Children Play?" and "Peace Train," reflects a quest for peace and consciousness, inner development, and a passion for the natural world, that continues with music lovers and peace seekers all over the world. To date, he has sold over 100 million records and has over 4 billion streams.
In 1977, at the height of his career, Cat Stevens embraced Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam. One year later, he left the music industry and dedicated himself to philanthropy and education. His extensive charity work has seen him receive numerous prestigious international awards, including the World Award for "humanitarian relief work helping children and victims of war," and the Man of Peace Award, voted for by the Nobel Laureates.
Inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Yusuf/Cat Stevens is the recipient of an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection and a two-time recipient of the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award. He holds honorary doctorates in Philosophy and Law from the universities of Gloucestershire and Exeter respectively and was made a Doctor of Humane Letters by the American University of Sharjah.
