"Trouble". I fell in love with Cat when I was a teen in Palo Alto in the 60s/70s and saw the movie, "Harold and Maude", that was filmed around my home. There is just such a great feeling about it. I read that the song, Trouble, was written when he went through TB in the hospital. It's really a hopeless song, but still, you know he is not giving up...
I agree with the word tragic however after looking the word up it has many different meanings like sorrow, painful but also fatal. Either way I'm 9 years younger and grew up loving his music and Cat's tragedy really turned triumphant! So everyone really needs to 'come along and jump on the peace train'😻
He signed on with Satan when he signed on with Islam. He put an exclamation point on that when he backed the most rabid forms of Islam. Hell is tragic, and he bought it.
The song Father & Son gave my son & I A bond I can't explain but before he died, of cancer & being paralyzed for 3 years from the wast down, we would have tears in our eyes every time it played but we had to play it every time we saw the song listed! God bless you son, I miss you. 10/1/21 he was 34.
I am deeply deeply moved by your contribution here, thank you for sharing. May God fill you with the comfort of that sacred bond and precious memory of (and memories with) your son.
This world yes, ...but the hereafter? Nobody can make such a statement, as nobody knows what happens at death, neither you nor anyone else. They can believe all they want, have faith all they want, but the real fact remains NOBODY knows if we survive death..NOBODY!.....The real truth and painful to accept, is Probably not!
I love Cat Steven songs since my teens. His life is not tragic. He chose to live his life the way he wanted and not manipulated by others. I still enjoy his simple beautifully crafted lyrics and music. He had the courage to do what he wanted against mainstream opinions. I wish him well.
He needs to reread the K-oran & see the violence & repression it espouses. If you are a woman you have no rights. A religion that cannot change & never will.
Exactly Right! Nothing Tragic about it. This channel is all about victimhood. I am sure Cat...or whatever he calls himself these days would not approve of this pathetic demoralization and degradation of his amazing, wonderful, soulful legacy
Even the bit about calling for the murder of Salman Rushdie on the order of the Islamo-fascist dictator of Iran? Which he did though he lies about it now.
I am 72 yrs old, and Cat Stevens’ music was a huge part of my youth. I was somewhat introverted, very much into art and painting; he, Joni Mitchell, and Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy Of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra got me through what a lot of people might call a “tragic period” in my life. His music was so personal; at times I felt that he was confiding in me or sharing some deep wisdom like a cherished family member. His work with Harold and Maude turned that little cult film into something iconic. When he left mainstream music I was crushed, but I understood that it wasn’t personal…it seemed like it was something he needed to do save his soul. At least we had a lot of music to get us through. If there were tragic elements to his life, I would say that they were just part of the process of him being true to himself, look at his life now!!
Joni Mitchell stole a note book of my compositions from me while we were on the same jet traveling through America with some other famous people in the music industry, she is a liar and a theif and I hate her. I had 2 young sons with me and the jet was spewing jet fuel since it was not in the best shape 😮😅😢ut she told me to shutup😮and get over it since she did not care about me and my little boys,she said if I was so concerned 😢about their health I should have left them at home,but it was 😮not just their health I was looking out for but the health of everyone on the jet since it was old😢 and leaking oil over the jet and everyone else 😮on it. She also stole my note book with over 150 songs that I had written in it😢 .She is a theif and plagerist as she stole my music and sold them to her friends and I can prove this to be true,why would I lie about such a serious accusation, my name is Michelle Devereaux, Denis Khomeini,Leigh Phillippe ,Izrael Stein ,Azziz Sadat, Alia Talall of Jordan, Moses David Izrael lyricalEinstein-Leibermann.The bitch refused to put out a cigarette one after the other since she said she was the star and it was her jet do she told me to shut up and get off the jet I I didn't like it 😮bshe is mentally ill and a selfish bitch as well!
@@garypaquin6300 Every song on TftT is a lovely gem. One of my all time favorites. My brother got the album when I was 8 in 1973, along with Leonard Cohen's first album. I have fond memories of that time, as we played them both a lot. I love both of their singing voices as they are both very unusual and unusually frank.
I was honoured to introduce Cat Stevens at the Marquee Club in London in 1967. He was a quiet and humble guy who sat on a stool on the stage with only his guitar and sang his heart out for the audience. A memory I will hold close for many, many years.
he. performed at the. last free concert at Hyde Park in 1968, not far from the Markquis Club where I heard Jethro Tull the nite before. Both performances were unforgettable and a true delight.
I was in a bar in the '70s and he was on tv...no one talked. The place just setted into the magic of the moment, as we all seemed to allow ourselves to connect with and be transorted by a deeper emotional maturity. The movie 'Harold and Maude' features his soundtrack...and may also bring you home.
I loved Cat Stevens when I was a teenager, and one of my favorite albums is Tea for the Tillerman. The whole album was a hit, but my favorite song was "Hard headed woman"... a song I still listen to today. I'm sad to hear about his health issues, but I'm thankful to him for giving us music which will live forever despite everything else... thank you Cat
I had that album. I.loved his version of Morning has Broken . And would play it in the morning. ,( of course ,) A hymn I used to sing at school. Always liked the song The first cut is the deepest. Never knew cat Steven's wrote it.
A MAN loves his music, big surprise. Cat Stevens has ALWAYS had patronizing, infantilizing and totally SEXIST views of women that made listening to his music a depressing ordeal. When he joined islam, the religion that currently degrades & abuses women more than any other on Earth, I wasn't the least bit surprised. His music is lovely and I wish I could enjoy it but unfortunately he sings in English & I can understand the words. And I don't tolerate ANY man talking to me like I'm a simpering, stupid CHILD.
He is a true artist I've loved, but his support for killing Rushdie was very clear and real; his excuses are false and should be apologies instead. There is the tragic rub.
Cat Stevens life is not tragic, rather; it reflects a man who lives his life in a way that's best for him. I'm 53, and hearing his voice in song is one of my earliest memories. What a blessing!
seems they think word "tragic" sells better, they also have "The Tragic Truth About Frank Sinatra". for guys that had more fun than 10 average people combined...huh....
Cat Stevens is a true legend who wrote some of the most meaningful songs in pop history. His music has helped millions of people around the world to cope with life’s troubles. He’s a once in a lifetime talent that should be cherished.
Glad the song Trouble was covered here. That is my favorite of his, I've sang along to that one many times in a great deal of feel. I had no idea it was about his TB. A perfect example of the beautiful flower that musical expression can bring us to.
I always like Silent Sunlight, not necessarily as the best, but as a song that was not mainstream and was poetry in it's lyrics...like so many of his songs.
I loved and sang his songs as a young boy in high school. Unfortunately life is about choices and we all make our beds. So it goes with Cat. I was always taught that you’re judged by the people you hang around with.
My brother told me this: Traffic jam in Denver, Colorado. Bro was stuck under an overpass along with many others. People were getting a little crancky, horn blowing and shouting. One car, a top down convertable, had a super-duper sound system. The driver started playing Cat Stevens album full blast. Turned into a dance party. Every one had a great time.
Just some information, morning has broken is a hymn the words are written by Eleanor Farjion, the tune is from a folk song! It is about the Resurrection .
The first cut is the deepest is one of my favourite songs. Also ROD STEWART . CHERYL CROW . Sing there own covers of the first cut is the deepest. If you haven't heard them You should check it out.
I love the covers too. Rod Stewart's voice is perfect for it. There is a great video on TH-cam of him singing it live and the audience starts singing before him. His response is priceless. Look for it. "If you want I'll try to love again", kills me every time. Thanks James!
Thank you for this. I was very sad that Cat Stevens converted to Islam but his music remains. "How can I tell you" is for me one of the most soulful, true and delightful love songs of all time.
I went to one of his concerts in the early 70s in Los Angeles. I remember the entire stage floor was laid out in flowers (maybe chrysanthemums). He wore a type of flowing cotton, as did his back up singers. It was magic. Fast forward to I think 1997 or 1998 I was working for British Airways in Cape Town, South Africa. He had been there on a trip and had this entourage of South African Muslim clerics surrounding him. I think there was an issue with his seat. He came to the counter for assistance. He was rude and sarcastic with me. I was absolutely shocked. As he walked away, one of the clerics said to me " do you realise who he is?". My reply was, "It doesn't matter who he is. No one needs to treat another person in such a manner. " And although I have aways loved his music and style, and have no hard feelings on the incident, I will always have that vision of his face speaking to me unkindly to make me inferior 😔.
I will always love Cat Stevens and his music. I cried when he quit music and converted to Islam, (not because of the religion, but because it would take him out of my life). I love every one of his songs, because they're all so soulful. Love love love to Cat.
Grieve because of the religion. Islam is, by its very nature, violent and evil. The closer one gets to following the Quran and Hadith, the more violent the religion becomes. In history, it is not the Islamic countries that drew close to there origins that were good world neighbors, it is the ones who wandered from the religion. Islam is poison, and Cat drank the whole bottle.
My favorite Cat Stevens song is Lady D'Arbanville, and this is the first time I hear the story behind it. It'll never fall on my ears the same way again.
I saw him in the early 1970’s in Knoxville, TN. At some point during his performance someone near the front did something that made him mad. He stopped in the middle of the song and reprimanded whoever did whatever then finished the song and walked off stage. It was so disappointing that it colored my opinion of him. He punished everyone.
@@TheRealDrJoey Well "The Jerk" has given his time, money and notoriety in charity work. And write songs about genocide, Tsunami, refugee camps, earthquakes other and donated the money to the specific works. He travels to many such places.
I saw Cat in concert in the early 70s at the Shrine in LA. At one point in the concert, the speaker system started malfunctioning and kept beeping during his song. He got so pissed off! I remember I was surprised he was such a hothead because his music was so sweet and mellow!
He by that time was getting pretty sick of the whole thing. I was also lucky enough to see him right before he dropped out of sight. I believe 74 at the Universal Amphitheater in LA, and I’m so glad I got to.
I saw him in Virginia around '72 and he threw a hissy fit in the middle of the concert over flash cameras. To be fair he had asked that they not be used but he threatened to walk off. The music was great though
A lot of over sensitive and/or nervous people throw fits over small things out of anxiety. Especially artistic persons. They see exactly how they want things to go, and when it doesn't go the way they want it to, they get angry and upset, it has to do with expectations of perfection that can never be. So many artists are surprisingly salty!
That is it, I grew up with Pink Floyd and a lot of other great bands and artists and the less I knew the better, even knowing how they played what notes they played seemed to ruin the magic of music, at least for me. I played his song the other day and people were all going on about ohh how he converted to islam, well I don't fckn care what hes done.
@@draganpastrovic2157 He can convert to what he likes but demanding the death of an author and offering to slaughter him himself is taking it a bit far, no? Or is that the American way these days?
I wouldn't call his life tragic, compared to what most of us have to go through and endure. He had all the success and the fame, and of course that is superficial. Hendrix' life was tragic, but Cat survived it and has lived happily ever after.
I loved Cat Stevens back when i was in high school. Just think if he knew that swimming parallel to the shore in a riptide will push you in with the tide we could have had years of good music from him.
@@sheilacape4794 i agree his music was great in the 70s before his religious conversion which was prompted by his near drowning experience. Then it became totally unmarketable.
My sis and I, being brand new to the ocean, also got caught in a riptide and also did not know how to escape. Fortunately I depended upon sheer brute force and our combined strength to get back to shore. I certainly would not bestow any of it as a 'miracle' and, even worse, attribute it to a deity.
He FELT unloved and lonely, until he found the right path for him. And then he followed it. You can see by his facial expression that it has brought him joy.
He has a family, 4 children and 9 grandchildren, what's everyone talking about??? He helps the muslim community in London, his life is full of Good Intention and good deeds
❤I grew up listening to Cat Steven's and Wild Women was the first,after all these yrs,it's now Father & Son . Happy you followed your dream and continue your own journey. ❤Vancouver Island, B.C.
“…he hasn't been Cat Stevens for a long time, you know. He's a different guy now.” (Salman Rushdie) I heard Stevens on the Australian ABC's Geoffrey Robertson's "Hypotheticals". He was not joking about killing Rushdie, as he now claims.
i just posted about that. the guy is now sick in the head. it ruined my memories of listening to his music as a young teenager. he cannot back track from his statements.
Yes, I saw it at the time too. And he has never walked back from those comments, nor has he apologised to Salman Rushdie. Loved the music of Cat Stevens. I assumed he was being a 'boots and all' convert, but still ... Rushdie experienced real consequences when really ... just don't read the book!!
thats the problem with islam... a good muslim is not a peaceful humanitarian. their own holy book is evidence to that. all one must do is read it. in fact, it's a cult, maybe one of the oldest.... invented by a jealous camel trader who married rich. he made the rules up as he went. again, all you have to do is study it. but if you're lazy and studying isn't your thing you only need to do a quick yt search for sam shamoun. he quickly breaks it down that muslims are fleeing in droves once they become aware that their theology is psychotic. that it caters to violent brutes who hate women and exploit children.
And worse. The books Japanese translator was murdered and the Italian translator shot. Books stores bombed. Rushdie was placed in safe house (ten years) costing tax payers millions! Rushdie lives in secret now.
Consider how many thousands of years people lived without music. Though more recently if you were lucky there were occasions where you might see a live band play. But for myself living without pre-recorded music would be terrible. Evidence the size of my music collection.
Whatever his trials & tribulations (which we all experience), Cat Stevens was & IS a beautiful, sensitive, creative, concerned, spiritual & generous individual. We are the same age & his is music was paramount to many of us in our formative years. We had a duo perform "Morning has Broken" at our wedding, only three years ago (my first marriage!) Am happy to know he found a beautiful, intelligent, obviously caring woman with whom to share his life & help him to spread his magnificent genes so the World will be blessed by his presence for a long time. God Bless You, Cat. May you ride that Peace Train forever. Thank you.
Surah Al Hajj 46 Have they not travelled throughout the land so their hearts may reason, and their ears may listen? Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but it is the hearts in the chests that grow blind.
I heard a speech he gave to his fellow muslims, advising them that they should not associate with non muslims. He stated, “You can not have a friend who is not a Muslim.” His comments suggesting he was never divisive are without merit
Little wonder he’s now a nobody - his life and political ideologies made those who may have helped him desperate to distance themselves instead. These days he’s simply remembered for being bat crazy. Shame really
Thank you for such a well researched report. I saw the Geoffrey Robertson "Hypothetical". There was nothing ambiguous or humorous, or edited. When asked about what he would do if Salman Rushdie came into a restaurant in London where he was eating, given the fatwah... He said, "I wouldn't kill him, but I would make a phone call." The meaning was clear. "I wouldn't kill him, but I'd tell someone who would." I'd been a huge fan, but all I could think was "what has happened to the man who wrote "Peace Train"? " I just wanted to burn the records I had loved so much.
He's just another lost artist trying to find himself but ended up in the wrong place. This research also gave me a bad taste in the mouth, sort of speak. Not gonna enjoy his music going forward now, tbh.
@@patagualianmostly7437 very lame, actually. Given the seriousness of the matter, someone who doesn't want to be misunderstood would give a clear explanation, especially when people talks. But he won't, because denying the value of a fatwah means. not just having a different opinion that your fellow co-religionists, which is not allowed there anyway, but also putting oneself in a possibly dangerous place.
I grew up in 60-70’s and loved Cat Stevens! My all time favorite song is Peace Train. I agree with most of the comments…his life wasn’t tragic. He made decisions as do all people.
Cat Stevens lived a privileged lifestyle topped off with a gift for writing and performing music. His debilitating illness is most unfortunate, but perhaps the true setback was his departure from music.
Becoming Muslim, especially a Muslim who has signed on for a Wahhabi interpretation of Islam is beyond tragic. He is now an enemy of God and aligned with the Antichrist who is coming. He actually would have done better wasting his life in hedonism.
@@md.noorulkarim5542 Muhammad was a false prophet. Nothing about his life compares to that of Jesus, yet he claims to be superior. You are following what will be the base of the future Antichrist. The Bible even warns of false prophets, like Muhammad, ahead of time in Galatians 1. Your Hadith also conclusively prove Muhammad to be a false prophet. You, and Cat, have been deceived, my friend.
I had heard what was being said about him, but luckily I also heard Cat speak his truth. It's sad how people are so set for condemnation instead of just asking the person.
@@bkm2797 The actual truth can be seen on a video where he absolutely supports the fatwa against Salman Rushdie. His statements that the media twisted his words are nonsense.
CAT STEVENS :the famous British pop singer. He sang many songs about world peace like" peace train". Later he became ISLAM& changed his name as Usaful Islam. Suddenly he started saying killing of Salman RUSHDE. From Cat stevace to Usaful Islam- was"peace train" to killing. Is it not Tragic??THAT IS RADICAL ISLAM:STAY AWAY FROM IT.
Salman Rushdiez views on your religion face the facts cat you can't see God whom you Say you love and worship, murdering your neighbour u can see is BULLSHIT 😂
Rushdie is intelligent. Likely more intelligent than Cat Stevens. But forgetting Cat Stevens because he turned muslim; that doesn't sound intelligent at all. More like childish.
Back in the day when people were 'discovered' they didnt have to compete with techno producers and ply their ability time and time again to record companies. Cat was a staple of mine along with Fleetwood Mack back in the day. God the music was good back then. Cat reminded us about what was 'real'. And I think we knew it then. It's good to hear he clarified his position on his website. But I don't remember even knowing he had a website to find that. It's sad the world was so traumatised by the press at that point because I loved his music and never lost that love.
I think that's why the people who become popular in those days were pure talents. That time period has so many talented artists, signers and bands. It was the real musical peak.
The song that reminds me of my first boyfriend is, "How Can I Tell You. " Just a couple of years ago his family and I had a memorial for him, and they played that song while we each threw flowers into the sea for him. He was caught in a rip-tide on the California coast and died at 16 years old. His family thought it was suicide. I was able to find them all these years later and explain the truth of it - they had never seen the report. It brought such peace to them to know it was not intentional, but an accident. It's mindblowing to hear Cat Stevens was also pulled out by the rip-tide here!
How did you have the police report/ autopsy report but the family didn’t? If he was your boyfriend and he died at 16, I’m assuming you were under 18 years old, and they don’t issue or even show autopsy reports to the deceased 16 year old girlfriend but not his mother/father.
@@MrNick-og4qm I didn't get the reports back then. He and I were the same age and I was out of town with my parents. A friend called to tell me but she didn't know any details except that he drowned. There was no public funeral, no obit, and his mother and sisters would not talk about it. 10 years ago I got a copy of the report from a friend who works for the county where the reports were filed. Listed C.O.D. was "accidental drowning while playing in the surf". Rip-tides are common along there. One of the witnesses said he was swimming out a little and coming back in on the waves and laughing, then was pulled out quickly. She thought he was purposely swimming out but he was fighting it, trying to swim back and eventually went under. That was in the report. His family had never seen the report (I don't know why). We had a memorial for him that year, and a lot of family came to share memories. ♥
Stevens made his bed of fatwa nails and must sleep on them. He was afraid to speak out against the madness of his gutter religion. He has some embarrassing songs like Moonshadow and Peace Train. Not cool production, maybe would be better with better production.
@@matteg490 He has made his choices in life, you have made yours, and i have made mine. Only you can decide what is right for you. Every religion has it's faults, and all religions are a waste of time. But that is just my opinion.
@@tonyprice2256 Some are worse than others .. usually those religions that take very old text so literally. The Quran may not be worse than the bible but the more open-minded West just doesn't take it so literally, except for 50 million zealots who still don't stone heathens or kill misbehaving children (Old Testament) or have honor kills, etc. I don't know how common but it seems Muslims take the cake on hurting others in their families, hating gays, hating infidels - some kill them.
A Scot traditional song, later lyrics were added by Eleanor Farjeon as a Christian hymn. Stevens only did a cover of it with his soulful voice. BTW, Cat Stevens's parents were Melkite Christians but their son moved to the other religion.
Sad what happened. This guy was a brilliant Artist. Tea for the Tillerman is STILL a Classic Album. I waited and waited for him to return. Then lost track of him. After he converted to Islam I had to let him go. But I still listen to Tea for the Tillerman. The fact that this led to him quitting music is an horrific tragedy. I wish him well though and his journey and Thank him for all the great music.
@@donaldwilliamfry Μuslims believe that all non-muslims will end up in the sadistic muslim hell. Same as christians believe about non-christians. Religion is self deceptrion. It is just that this talented man chose to join the most backward and intolerant of all religions.
Wonderful presentation ! I loved the content and the editing. I love Steven's songs. What Steven did about his religious affiliation is his choice. However, if his statements against Rushdie were so harsh, he has paid the price. Sentences once told cannot be forgotten so easily. He chose a religion which today is considered by other religious followers as violent, unforgiving, undemocratic and revengeful.
Thank you for publishing this video which could help promote world peace while promoting Cat Steven's music both at the same time. What I have noticed about some businessmen too is how they try to control people working for them in ways that are unsustainable while they are shortsighted being concerned only about profit. Like for example when encouraging and /or coercing a young artist who is experiencing varying degrees of stage fright into consuming illegal and/or prescription drugs only to ensure their own performance by performance short term gain instead of encouraging the artist long enough to understand how to be both a successful artist and a healthy human being as they age. Because none of us can remain age 16 our whole life.
My teenage idol, Tea for the Tillerman, inspired me to learn guitar and played every song, loved it all, then saw him in concert in Hawaii early 70’s, amazing artist…then later switched to Islam??!!? Always wondered why?….your video finally told me the rest of the story, Mahalo!
I am very glad how in September of 2016, I went to New York City for one night to see Yusaf/Islam Cat Stevens in concert at the Beacon Theater. That way if Cat Stevens should pass away or completely retire from touring, at least I got to see him once in concert.
It”s always a shame when people catch the religion bug ( especially after “doing drugs”. ) and try to spread their version, I like Dave Allen’s approach “and may your god go with you” no pressure no pushing and definitely not preaching. I really like the emphasis on “your” it imply’s none as well ( he was an atheist )
I think Dave Allen got it right. He knew that no matter how much you pray for a miracle to restore an amputated finger....it's never going to grow back.
@@dahliajames6966 No you would be wrong to think that, I,ve seen the religion bug in all sorts of Christians and some other cults too! That’s why I said the religion bug and not the Islam bug!
Thank you for posting this video. I have been a long time fan of Cat Stevens and I (along with so many others) was puzzled by all of the changes he made in his life. Now I understand the reasons behind the changes and it all makes perfect sense to me.
My favorite singer while I was in University of Detroit Mercy I listened to his song wild wild world and put his poster on the wall. This song still make me cry
I don't think his life story was Tragic, in fact I find it beautifully inspiring. We all are searching for our Truth, our purpose, our calling. God Bless Cat Stevens for the courage he showed by singing/writing beautiful songs inspired by his struggles. Oh Baby it's a Wild World!!!!
@@dyanshaneIt doesn’t terrorize woman. Can you show me one Quran verse that does that ? You have no proof!! Like you also have no proof that Jesus (as) was Christian, prophet Muhammad (saw) was just another prophet, with the exception that he was the last one after Jesus (as) and he was prophesied in the Bible many times; Christian’s at his time recognized him from the Bible and accepted Islam like the Ethopian Christian king Negus. Even byzantine Christian emperor approved his message and him as prophet but was afraid of his peoples reaction if he would accept it. Or what do you think which prophet was talked about in John 1:19-21? Or Deutronomy 18:18? Or Isaiah 42? Men his name is even mentioned in Song of Solomon 5:16 in the original Hebrew ,,Muhammadim”
I knew Cat Stevens when he played at the Gaslight Cafe in the late '60's or early '70's, after his first hit record. He was the nicest, sweetest performer that ever performed there. It's been interesting following his career ever since. Nothing "tragic" about him at all. He was a great person and still is.
@@catherinetodd In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa (an Islamic ruling) upon author Salman Rushdie for having written a book ('The Satanic Verses') which Khomeini pronounced "blasphemous". The fatwa called for a death sentence. Khomeini then publicly called for Muslims worldwide to murder the author or anyone else involved in the book's publishing. Cat Stevens completely agreed with this lunacy and even appeared on British national TV to argue in its favour. The host of the show asked him if he'd be attending one of the rabid fundamentalist Muslim street protests where effigies of Rushdie were to be burned. Stevens replied, and I quote, _"I would have hoped that it'd be the real thing."_ He also said that if Rushdie turned up at his doorstep looking for help, _''I might ring somebody who might do more damage to him than he would like. I'd try to phone the Ayatollah Khomeini and tell him exactly where this man is."_ Peace Train? Yeah, right.
Born as Stephen Demetre Georgiou to a Swedish, Baptist mother and Greek Cypriotic father in London in 1948 (he's 75 tomorrow), he lived a one year (1956-57) with his mum in Gävle, Sweden (the world's most atheist country) in the 60s, before he moved back to live with his father in London, attending Catholic school. Cyprus is divided in a Greek (Orthodox Christian) and a Turkish (Muslim) part since 1974. Who wouldn't be confused under those circumstances? /J, Sweden
His music will be loved for ever, so authentic and human. I often think of him as one lucky soul that found himself. So many of us are still struggling to be in peace with ourselves.
Kind of ironic for "JC" to imply that a tragic life is indecent. Anyway, I don't see how so many commentators can claim his life wasn't tragic unless they're singer-songerwriters constantly builled and manipulated by their manager, have had near fatal cases of TB, have been so alienated that they lived alone and couldn't even talk to the cleaning woman, etc.
I fell of a Rock into the sea in UK when I was 12 yrs old ..... I couldn't swim .... but when I was panicking and screaming a big plank of wood came bobbing by me which I grabbed onto and saved my own life .... but I never changed my religion because of it. My God now is a Plank of wood.
I had no idea he had overcome such severe health problems. Wow! TB can still kill. Like some other diseases, the biggest danger from TB is failure to recognize/treat it.
My husband had TB. He was 18 when he threw up *a lot* of blood suddenly. He spent 2 years in the hospital as a Ward of the State, and another 2 years of regular check-ups. He's 73 now, and still hasn't any idea how he caught it.
TB is a hoax and government ploy to control you. you can't believe everything the media tells you - well that's how everybody treated what happened in 2020 even thought it claimed many lives. Why not TB? **sarcasm**@@rridderbusch518
I first listened to him when I was about 4 years old in 1969. I loved and have his albums, Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat, Catch Bull at Four and Mona Bone Jakon. My favourite song would be so hard to pick.... a choice between, Sitting, Father and Son or O Caritas. Even then I felt he was searching for something, searching for guidance or a path or way. He has always been one of my favourite artists.
I loved his music and Peace Train is probable my favorite. Morning has Broken, I wish for my memorial. I named our cat Stephens. I never understood his beliefs but I loved his music.
The music stopped Because of the extreme religious beliefs he has come have. His religious beliefs stopped him from writing and performing. He now believes Salman Rushdie should be murdered for offending his damned religion. Political and religious authoritarians fear, distrust, and work to suppress such human expression that they don't control. That is what he has become, a nasty religious bigot.
I loved CS as a young woman and teeager, and is for ever grateful of the beatiful music-experiences it has given me in my life. But we mature and grow, and go on our different paths. It is what it is. I am glad he has had a good marriage and familylife.
@@robertnewell5057 You think I should dislike the fact that he has a good marriage? Of course he is an islamist, but he was not one when I "fell in love" with his music. That is not to say that I en any aspect support og like his religion or rather ideology. He once was a wonderful young Greek who made beautiful music. As already stated: It is what it is.
It's interesting to hear that Stevens had some confusion regarding his sexual identity as a youth. Carly Simon has said that at the time she dated him in the 70s she was aware that he had male as well as female lovers. This makes his current stance in opposition to gay rights rather hypocritical. And he absolutely did support the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, even saying he would have been willing to carry it out himself under the right conditions. His denials all these decades are BS.
Excellent point on his support of the Rushdie fatwa. Unlike most everyone who claims that he recanted, I actually read his whole statement. The key take away is "too soon". He absolutely did not deny that Rushdie should be killed, he simply weaseled around about the fact in a world that hadn't yet become fully Islamist, it probably wasn't the best thing to do...and blah, blah, blah. There was no acknowledgement that killing for heresy is wrong, just that circumstance didn't as yet support the wisdom of doing it. He's full of shit.
@@GrumpX I think you're missing the point. It's not uncommon for people who struggle with their sexuality to convert to a religion which forces them into a choice. It's a way of avoiding the responsibility of working out ones issues. One might call it "Little Richard Syndrome".
Iran Enforced 10 Stupid Laws 1. Women are not allowed to show their hair 2. Women are not allowed to sing 3. Women are not allowed to dance 4. Women are not allowed to divorce 5. Women are not allowed to enter stadium 6. Women are not allowed to ride motorbike 7. Women are not allowed to go overseas alone 8. Women are not allowed to join military 9. Women are not allowed to become a witness 10. Women are not allowed to become a judge
@@patriciapowell6047 not sure how you find that funny… I used to love Cat Steven’s music, but after his support for the murder of Salman Rushdie, he is scum… and anyone who thinks supporting the murder of someone who views they do not support is scum…Yusuf Islam should have the guts to apologise… but he will not bc he has no integrity….
WHAT IS THE TRAGIC HERE? CAT STEVENS :the famous British pop singer. He sang many songs about world peace like" peace train". Later he became ISLAM& changed his name as Usaful Islam. Suddenly he started saying killing of Salman RUSHDE. From Cat stevace to Usaful Islam- was"peace train" to killing. THAT IS THE TRAGIC HERE. THAT IS RADICAL ISLAM:STAY AWAY FROM IT.
@shailesh mathews, you're right. He also didn't sing for years because he thought singing was against Islam, I have no time for the man whatsoever, you can not white wash a black heart
@@firebyrd437 That was not his thought. The concept of "singing is forbidden " is not his thought , but islam teaches so , though muslims sing. You can have the proof for it in their Quran , tafseers (official explanations)and Hadiths . A real muslim does not sing.
Some intentional dubbing of his words was done by more than a few greedy tabloid rags and so called news outlets to "Get a story-and make some profit---you musn't believe everything you read or hear.
gary lester, he said that to you in a bathroom or something? if he had said that everybody who is talking about rushdie would be instead or also talking about death to america, something there is not a single word about happening anywhere on the internet but let’s say he had said that, what on earth is there to say in defense of this country’s existence? you must not know a single thing about the last 500 years of world history!!!!! there has never been a bigger crime against humanity spree in human history!!!!!!!! in addition to the other mountain ranges of crime we have literally poisoned the entire world and are just waiting for it to finish dying you blithering idiot!!!!
I was caught in a riptide once. It nearly killed me. Instead of calling on God to save me I resigned myself to death. I was only 14 at the time. Had I known at the time you can easily get yourself out of a riptide. All you have to do is swim parallel to the shore a little and then swim in. Fortunately my younger brother finally came to my rescue on a surfboard.
When I was in my 60s I went for a swim in the ocean. The surf didn't seem that strong but after 15 mins of trying I was completely exhausted by the time I got out beyond the breakers. I'm not a strong swimmer, and no where near the physical shape I had been decades before. Instead of calling on God for help, I conserved my strength, rested up a few minutes treading water, and was able to get back to shore. My time in the military taught me I can do things I never thought I could do, if I persevered beyond where I thought I should quit. God helped Cat Stevens when he asked for it. I knew I could do things beyond my self-imposed limits. We all believe what we think we can do, and cannot do.
@@hifinsword I was a strong swimmer at the time when I was 14. At one point I tried to swim under the water. The bottom was flat rock. When I dove down I instantly understood my situation because I was pulled back by a swift current. I grabbed the rough bottom and pulled myself along as far as my breath would hold then shot up to the surface as fast as I could. I could tell I had gained little ground. I tried this tactic a few more times but it was wearing me down more than ordinary swimming. They don't call it a riptide for nothing. That current was fast.
Glad you survived . I lost a friend to one and also saw a video of an Olympic swimmer that fought one and died . I was told you can also just float on it until it releases you and then swim back.
He didn't fight his demons, he embraced them. Becoming Muslim, especially a Muslim who has signed on for a Wahhabi interpretation of Islam is beyond tragic. He is now an enemy of God and aligned with the Antichrist who is coming. He actually would have done better wasting his life in hedonism.
I was a reporter in the war in the former Yugoslavia. At one point Yusuf Islam appeared to meet with Bosnian Muslims involved in the fighting. Somebody passed him an AK47 and he fired a burst into the air. A photographer from one of the British tabloids said "Now sing Peace Train!" At that Brother Yusuf stomped off in a huff.
I watch and listen to my favorites entertainers even if their politics or religion are opposite of my own because I enjoy them. I don't care about their beliefs. They are human and entitled to their beliefs just like the rest of us. Be they or I right or wrong is not a question that comes to mind when enjoying a movie or a song. "Oh Very Young" is a favorite of mine.
I love Cat Stevens and even more Jusuf Islam. The first for being a lovely song writer and for his greek identity as being greek myself, the second for being a muslim as being muslim myself after converting to Islam Alhamdulillah 💚
What is your favorite song by Cat Stevens?
Moonshadow
Lady D'Arbanville
Matthew and Son
"Trouble". I fell in love with Cat when I was a teen in Palo Alto in the 60s/70s and saw the movie, "Harold and Maude", that was filmed around my home. There is just such a great feeling about it. I read that the song, Trouble, was written when he went through TB in the hospital. It's really a hopeless song, but still, you know he is not giving up...
Hard to choose... but On the Road to Find Out is the most profound for me.
I wouldn't call Cat Stevens' life tragic. Everyone has their ups and downs. He's had more ups in his life than most people.
Clickbait.
I agree with the word tragic however after looking the word up it has many different meanings like sorrow, painful but also fatal. Either way I'm 9 years younger and grew up loving his music and Cat's tragedy really turned triumphant!
So everyone really needs to 'come along and jump on the peace train'😻
I would call it tragic. Abandoning his art in the name of superstition
He signed on with Satan when he signed on with Islam. He put an exclamation point on that when he backed the most rabid forms of Islam. Hell is tragic, and he bought it.
The song Father & Son gave my son & I A bond I can't explain but before he died, of cancer & being paralyzed for 3 years from the wast down, we would have tears in our eyes every time it played but we had to play it every time we saw the song listed! God bless you son, I miss you. 10/1/21 he was 34.
I am deeply deeply moved by your contribution here, thank you for sharing. May God fill you with the comfort of that sacred bond and precious memory of (and memories with) your son.
One of my favorite Cat Stevens songs. Bless you and your wonderful memories.
May God Bless You.
I'm so sorry, my friend. How kind of you to share the beautiful memories.
@@Parallax982Ditto that. And how sweet your response.
He’s a very SUCCESSFUL MAN in this world and hereafter ❤❤❤❤❤
This world yes, ...but the hereafter? Nobody can make such a statement, as nobody knows what happens at death, neither you nor anyone else. They can believe all they want, have faith all they want, but the real fact remains NOBODY knows if we survive death..NOBODY!.....The real truth and painful to accept, is Probably not!
Ameen
Most humans are so weak minded, they want to believe they ‘live on’ after death! Yeah, right…
@@PixelatedExistenceHe’s still alive?
he is MasyaALLAH practicing Islam and really practice Rasul's sunnah
Cat Stevens is enjoying inner spiritual peace and harmony which money can't buy.
Islam does not bring peace of any kind, it is a murderous blood cult! And anyone finding peace in that is in league with Satan!
100 % agree !
Given that he lies about what he has said I highly doubt that
GRUNGE'S life is more tragic than anyone else! He's blind, he can't see HIS OWN TRAGEDY!😂
Nope,he's Evil
I love Cat Steven songs since my teens. His life is not tragic. He chose to live his life the way he wanted and not manipulated by others. I still enjoy his simple beautifully crafted lyrics and music. He had the courage to do what he wanted against mainstream opinions. I wish him well.
I pray God saves him from his current satanic death cult.
He needs to reread the K-oran & see the violence & repression it espouses. If you are a woman you have no rights. A religion that cannot change & never will.
Nice comment
Andrew Lai:
Honest Comments
Exactly Right! Nothing Tragic about it. This channel is all about victimhood. I am sure Cat...or whatever he calls himself these days would not approve of this pathetic demoralization and degradation of his amazing, wonderful, soulful legacy
he was inspired ... never tragic ... just a rare and beautiful talent
Nope
Tragic to whom?? Cat stevens is happy in life. What's your tragedy because he doesn't agree with your life choice.
Tragic, you said ? On the contrary, his lifestyle inspired millions of people ! May he remain highly blessed !
Cat Steven's life is hardly tragic! Its wonderful!
Even the bit about calling for the murder of Salman Rushdie on the order of the Islamo-fascist dictator of Iran? Which he did though he lies about it now.
We all love Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam and his songwriting. So deep, so lovely
His name now is Yusuf Islam ..Cat Stevens doesn’t exist anymore.
I am 72 yrs old, and Cat Stevens’ music was a huge part of my youth. I was somewhat introverted, very much into art and painting; he, Joni Mitchell, and Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy Of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra got me through what a lot of people might call a “tragic period” in my life. His music was so personal; at times I felt that he was confiding in me or sharing some deep wisdom like a cherished family member. His work with Harold and Maude turned that little cult film into something iconic. When he left mainstream music I was crushed, but I understood that it wasn’t personal…it seemed like it was something he needed to do save his soul. At least we had a lot of music to get us through. If there were tragic elements to his life, I would say that they were just part of the process of him being true to himself, look at his life now!!
Joni Mitchell stole a note book of my compositions from me while we were on the same jet traveling through America with some other famous people in the music industry, she is a liar and a theif and I hate her. I had 2 young sons with me and the jet was spewing jet fuel since it was not in the best shape 😮😅😢ut she told me to shutup😮and get over it since she did not care about me and my little boys,she said if I was so concerned 😢about their health I should have left them at home,but it was 😮not just their health I was looking out for but the health of everyone on the jet since it was old😢 and leaking oil over the jet and everyone else 😮on it. She also stole my note book with over 150 songs that I had written in it😢 .She is a theif and plagerist as she stole my music and sold them to her friends and I can prove this to be true,why would I lie about such a serious accusation, my name is Michelle Devereaux, Denis Khomeini,Leigh Phillippe ,Izrael Stein ,Azziz Sadat, Alia Talall of Jordan, Moses David Izrael lyricalEinstein-Leibermann.The bitch refused to put out a cigarette one after the other since she said she was the star and it was her jet do she told me to shut up and get off the jet I I didn't like it 😮bshe is mentally ill and a selfish bitch as well!
Nancy, I am right there with you. Tea for the Tillerman was my companion through some very tumultuous times. And, a faithful companion at that.
Nancy, you could be writing for me. I’m 75 now and my heart still beats hard with each and every song.
@@garypaquin6300 Every song on TftT is a lovely gem. One of my all time favorites. My brother got the album when I was 8 in 1973, along with Leonard Cohen's first album. I have fond memories of that time, as we played them both a lot. I love both of their singing voices as they are both very unusual and unusually frank.
I grew up listening to all his songs and I had all his albums. Many of his songs got me through a difficult teenagehood.
I was honoured to introduce Cat Stevens at the Marquee Club in London in 1967. He was a quiet and humble guy who sat on a stool on the stage with only his guitar and sang his heart out for the audience. A memory I will hold close for many, many years.
he. performed at the. last free concert at Hyde Park in 1968, not far from the Markquis Club where I heard Jethro Tull the nite before. Both performances were unforgettable and a true delight.
He's now on a NO FLY LIST, think about that.
@@NCLUSA😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks God you are still alive and with a desire to live.
What a wonderful memory to have of Cat Stephens.
I was in a bar in the '70s and he was on tv...no one talked. The place just setted into the magic of the moment, as we all seemed to allow ourselves to connect with and be transorted by a deeper emotional maturity. The movie 'Harold and Maude' features his soundtrack...and may also bring you home.
His life has not been tragic but a reflection of his own choices.
Exactly. Takes himself far too seriously.
True!
Exactly
Calling for an artist like Salman Rushdie to be killed, over the Satanic Verses. Cat Stevens is a sicko.
Spot on
I loved Cat Stevens when I was a teenager, and one of my favorite albums is Tea for the Tillerman. The whole album was a hit, but my favorite song was "Hard headed woman"... a song I still listen to today. I'm sad to hear about his health issues, but I'm thankful to him for giving us music which will live forever despite everything else... thank you Cat
I'm sorry to hear he has health issues. I'm sure that has to do with Islam.
@@nickidaisydandelion4044 He contracted TB through his drug use long before converting!
I had that album. I.loved his version of Morning has Broken . And would play it in the morning. ,( of course ,)
A hymn I used to sing at school.
Always liked the song The first cut is the deepest. Never knew cat Steven's wrote it.
All ways liked him l liked his song yrs ago I love my dog
A MAN loves his music, big surprise. Cat Stevens has ALWAYS had patronizing, infantilizing and totally SEXIST views of women that made listening to his music a depressing ordeal. When he joined islam, the religion that currently degrades & abuses women more than any other on Earth, I wasn't the least bit surprised. His music is lovely and I wish I could enjoy it but unfortunately he sings in English & I can understand the words. And I don't tolerate ANY man talking to me like I'm a simpering, stupid CHILD.
I've never thought of Cat Stevens life as tragic.
He is tragic. He is a cvnt.
terribly tragic..... he's a lost soul...sold it to the devil...literally
@@maryadelin You're a racist. And we know why. If he turned Bhuddist and literally worshipped the devil you wouldn'y have a problem, at all.
@@maryadelin he has religion and believes in god but You might go to hell for judging him.
Right, more like pathetic.
There is no tragedy he is a TRUE artist period.
He is a true artist I've loved, but his support for killing Rushdie was very clear and real; his excuses are false and should be apologies instead. There is the tragic rub.
@@skidancin Oh.
He's a dirty thief
@@skidancinpure Evil
@@clairez007 something like that
Cat Stevens life is not tragic, rather; it reflects a man who lives his life in a way that's best for him.
I'm 53, and hearing his voice in song is one of my earliest memories. What a blessing!
unfortunately a lot of people are sheepishly gullible to the point of comedy.
seems they think word "tragic" sells better, they also have "The Tragic Truth About Frank Sinatra". for guys that had more fun than 10 average people combined...huh....
Cat Stevens is a true legend who wrote some of the most meaningful songs in pop history. His music has helped millions of people around the world to cope with life’s troubles. He’s a once in a lifetime talent that should be cherished.
He likes terrorist, go figure.
Totally! :)
What i cant understand is why women leave gorgeous man like Cat Stevens and Brian Ferry for Mick Jagger. Do they need glasses.
Yes unusual Mick ant no oil painting
Mick is no prize, talented as he is. I really think he's a witch and I'm serious. He put a spell on people.
Cat Stevens talked about being basically asexual while Mick Jagger is quite the opposite.
You don’t understand women. Mick exudes sexuality.
No, they need brains ..
So many to choose from, but maybe Father and Son is my favorite because it strikes to my heart. He was/is phenomenal regardless
Glad the song Trouble was covered here. That is my favorite of his, I've sang along to that one many times in a great deal of feel. I had no idea it was about his TB. A perfect example of the beautiful flower that musical expression can bring us to.
I always like Silent Sunlight, not necessarily as the best, but as a song that was not mainstream and was poetry in it's lyrics...like so many of his songs.
I love him singing Morning is Broken. Had is played at my mother’s funeral. ❤
Thats such a beautiful song, all the best to your healing, much love
I think "Morning Has Broken" may be his best piece of work. A beautiful composition.
I did the same for my dear mothers funeral also. Now every time I hear the song. I remember her with love and emotion.
My mom’s funeral too!
It was written in the early 1900s by Eleanor Farjeon. The God in it is the Christian God.
I loved and sang his songs as a young boy in high school. Unfortunately life is about choices and we all make our beds. So it goes with Cat. I was always taught that you’re judged by the people you hang around with.
My brother told me this: Traffic jam in Denver, Colorado. Bro was stuck under an overpass along with many others. People were getting a little crancky, horn blowing and shouting. One car, a top down convertable, had a super-duper sound system. The driver started playing Cat Stevens album full blast. Turned into a dance party. Every one had a great time.
Just some information, morning has broken is a hymn the words are written by Eleanor Farjion, the tune is from a folk song! It is about the Resurrection .
"The first cut is the deepest", beautiful and heart breaking. Love his music and that gorgeous face.
The first cut is the deepest is one of my favourite songs.
Also
ROD STEWART .
CHERYL CROW .
Sing there own covers of the
first cut is the deepest.
If you haven't heard them
You should check it out.
I love the covers too. Rod Stewart's voice is perfect for it. There is a great video on TH-cam of him singing it live and the audience starts singing before him. His response is priceless. Look for it. "If you want I'll try to love again", kills me every time. Thanks James!
I remember when Linda Ronstadt sang it on TV in a Cat Stevens show.
@@jamesjackson7878 Plus PP Arnold's from the 1960s, think it's on Immediate Records. Probably the most famous cover of it.
Thank you for this. I was very sad that Cat Stevens converted to Islam but his music remains. "How can I tell you" is for me one of the most soulful, true and delightful love songs of all time.
I urge you to try to learn understand Islam. That would help you
That is my favorite love song. Simply beautiful.
Cat Steven had a blessed life. With Hidaya and barokah one can't ask for more.
I went to one of his concerts in the early 70s in Los Angeles. I remember the entire stage floor was laid out in flowers (maybe chrysanthemums). He wore a type of flowing cotton, as did his back up singers. It was magic. Fast forward to I think 1997 or 1998 I was working for British Airways in Cape Town, South Africa. He had been there on a trip and had this entourage of South African Muslim clerics surrounding him. I think there was an issue with his seat. He came to the counter for assistance. He was rude and sarcastic with me. I was absolutely shocked. As he walked away, one of the clerics said to me " do you realise who he is?". My reply was, "It doesn't matter who he is. No one needs to treat another person in such a manner. " And although I have aways loved his music and style, and have no hard feelings on the incident, I will always have that vision of his face speaking to me unkindly to make me inferior 😔.
Sorry for you, That sounds like him
Qur'an sura 9 joins the chat
That sounds a sad incident. You answered the cleric well
😪
Wow.
He is and will for ever be my favorite musician. I’m happy he has a good wife and kids that love him
Yup. His kids must love their murder-happy pappy.
Maybe the title was meant to draw in views.
I will always love Cat Stevens and his music. I cried when he quit music and converted to Islam, (not because of the religion, but because it would take him out of my life). I love every one of his songs, because they're all so soulful. Love love love to Cat.
Grieve because of the religion. Islam is, by its very nature, violent and evil. The closer one gets to following the Quran and Hadith, the more violent the religion becomes. In history, it is not the Islamic countries that drew close to there origins that were good world neighbors, it is the ones who wandered from the religion. Islam is poison, and Cat drank the whole bottle.
you need to be disciplined by the islamic fundamentalists stooges that Stevens reveres
I hope you bawled your eyes out when Stevens agreed with and supported Ayatollah Khomeni's death sentence on Salman Rushdie.
@blackmore4 I loved "Cat Stevens", the singer, not his religion. That is his choice, and you can't put ME down because you have your own agenda!!!!
So your crying had nothing to do with his religious conversion.
My favorite Cat Stevens song is Lady D'Arbanville, and this is the first time I hear the story behind it. It'll never fall on my ears the same way again.
I saw him in the early 1970’s in Knoxville, TN. At some point during his performance someone near the front did something that made him mad. He stopped in the middle of the song and reprimanded whoever did whatever then finished the song and walked off stage. It was so disappointing that it colored my opinion of him. He punished everyone.
He's always been a jerk.
@@shakimabasan3344 I don't know why you like me, but thanks!
@@TheRealDrJoey Well "The Jerk" has given his time, money and notoriety in charity work. And write songs about genocide, Tsunami, refugee camps, earthquakes other and donated the money to the specific works. He travels to many such places.
@@sazure2 And is a vocal supporter of the fatwa against Salmon Rushdie. He is a reprehensible human being.
@@sazure2 You are quite the naïve little Leftist.
I saw Cat in concert in the early 70s at the Shrine in LA. At one point in the concert, the speaker system started malfunctioning and kept beeping during his song. He got so pissed off! I remember I was surprised he was such a hothead because his music was so sweet and mellow!
He by that time was getting pretty sick of the whole thing. I was also lucky enough to see him right before he dropped out of sight. I believe 74 at the Universal Amphitheater in LA, and I’m so glad I got to.
I saw him in Virginia around '72 and he threw a hissy fit in the middle of the concert over flash cameras. To be fair he had asked that they not be used but he threatened to walk off. The music was great though
A lot of over sensitive and/or nervous people throw fits over small things out of anxiety. Especially artistic persons. They see exactly how they want things to go, and when it doesn't go the way they want it to, they get angry and upset, it has to do with expectations of perfection that can never be. So many artists are surprisingly salty!
@@cynthiasloan3867 Flash camera's are annoying! All That light going off when trying to perform. Why banned in theatres!
Sometimes it's best to not know about an artist's personal life when you enjoy their music.
That is it, I grew up with Pink Floyd and a lot of other great bands and artists and the less I knew the better, even knowing how they played what notes they played seemed to ruin the magic of music, at least for me. I played his song the other day and people were all going on about ohh how he converted to islam, well I don't fckn care what hes done.
I don't see what was tragic about his personal life...seems like he is very well rounded
Totally agree, how true this is.
@@draganpastrovic2157 He can convert to what he likes but demanding the death of an author and offering to slaughter him himself is taking it a bit far, no? Or is that the American way these days?
Well said! They also say 'never meet your heroes'. I guess everyone has 'feet of clay'.
Everyone in the Muslim world loves him.
I wouldn't call his life tragic, compared to what most of us have to go through and endure. He had all the success and the fame, and of course that is superficial. Hendrix' life was tragic, but Cat survived it and has lived happily ever after.
He choose changing his name to a Muslim name long before it was normal and sadly his career went down. personal choices.
💯
found the racist troll@@gygogo1
your ip will be traced@@gygogo1
I loved Cat Stevens back when i was in high school. Just think if he knew that swimming parallel to the shore in a riptide will push you in with the tide we could have had years of good music from him.
I was going to write the exact same notion my self.
Could have??? His music made the 70's!!! One of the best, he's up there with the rest of the best!
@@sheilacape4794 i agree his music was great in the 70s before his religious conversion which was prompted by his near drowning experience. Then it became totally unmarketable.
Yeah he believed it was God when it was just luck!
My sis and I, being brand new to the ocean, also got caught in a riptide and also did not know how to escape. Fortunately I depended upon sheer brute force and our combined strength to get back to shore. I certainly would not bestow any of it as a 'miracle' and, even worse, attribute it to a deity.
Pretty sad that someone loved by so many feels so unloved and lonely. The path to loving ourselves is clearly one that is unique to each individual.
Terror-supporters deserve to feel unloved and lonely.
Thanks for the wise comment. Very uplifting to me and creating hope in me that wisdom in humans is (still) available.
He FELT unloved and lonely, until he found the right path for him. And then he followed it. You can see by his facial expression that it has brought him joy.
He has a family, 4 children and 9 grandchildren, what's everyone talking about??? He helps the muslim community in London, his life is full of Good Intention and good deeds
His life is full of Islam, a hate mongering violent false religion.@@paulabailey230
❤I grew up listening to Cat Steven's and Wild Women was the first,after all these yrs,it's now Father & Son . Happy you followed your dream and continue your own journey. ❤Vancouver Island, B.C.
“…he hasn't been Cat Stevens for a long time, you know. He's a different guy now.” (Salman Rushdie)
I heard Stevens on the Australian ABC's Geoffrey Robertson's "Hypotheticals". He was not joking about killing Rushdie, as he now claims.
Salman's a bit of narcissistic jerk, though.
i just posted about that. the guy is now sick in the head. it ruined my memories of listening to his music as a young teenager. he cannot back track from his statements.
Yes, I saw it at the time too. And he has never walked back from those comments, nor has he apologised to Salman Rushdie. Loved the music of Cat Stevens. I assumed he was being a 'boots and all' convert, but still ... Rushdie experienced real consequences when really ... just don't read the book!!
thats the problem with islam... a good muslim is not a peaceful humanitarian. their own holy book is evidence to that. all one must do is read it.
in fact, it's a cult, maybe one of the oldest.... invented by a jealous camel trader who married rich. he made the rules up as he went. again, all you have to do is study it.
but if you're lazy and studying isn't your thing you only need to do a quick yt search for sam shamoun. he quickly breaks it down that muslims are fleeing in droves once they become aware that their theology is psychotic. that it caters to violent brutes who hate women and exploit children.
And worse. The books Japanese translator was murdered and the Italian translator shot. Books stores bombed. Rushdie was placed in safe house (ten years) costing tax payers millions! Rushdie lives in secret now.
He said music is a luxury. No, it's not. It is a necessity and a deep well of joy.
Maybe he meant the other side
perhaps it's just your opinion. On the other hand, my opinions are based on facts -- facts that I generate and vouch for. So there.
He did come back to music later; he was convinced of its value (again) by the Bosnian Muslims' wonderful music.
Best comment here....in my opinion.
Consider how many thousands of years people lived without music. Though more recently if you were lucky there were occasions where you might see a live band play. But for myself living without pre-recorded music would be terrible. Evidence the size of my music collection.
Whatever his trials & tribulations (which we all experience), Cat Stevens was & IS a beautiful, sensitive, creative, concerned, spiritual & generous individual. We are the same age & his is music was paramount to many of us in our formative years. We had a duo perform "Morning has Broken" at our wedding, only three years ago (my first marriage!) Am happy to know he found a beautiful, intelligent, obviously caring woman with whom to share his life & help him to spread his magnificent genes so the World will be blessed by his presence for a long time. God Bless You, Cat. May you ride that Peace Train forever. Thank you.
Peace Train my foot. He caused harm to Salman Rushdie and others through supporting terrorism.
He's no better than a murderous scum bag.
Your first marriage? Do you plan many more? Just joking, of course.
Sanctimonious twaddle! We do not all support a death threat against another human being for merely writing a book.
Surah Al Hajj 46 Have they not travelled throughout the land so their hearts may reason, and their ears may listen? Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but it is the hearts in the chests that grow blind.
Numbers 15:39
God says, "Don't be misled by your heart and eyes"
2 Corinthians 5
Jesus says that the human heart is the source of all kinds of sin, and that we shouldn't follow our hearts, but question them.
I heard a speech he gave to his fellow muslims, advising them that they should not associate with non muslims. He stated, “You can not have a friend who is not a Muslim.” His comments suggesting he was never divisive are without merit
And he refuses to get interviewed with any female reporter or interviewer.
this is why they convert ppl in prison...and radicalize them into hatred and a death cult...its actually scary.
Muhammad's god is Satan! Stevens worshiped Satan and didn't even know it!
Little wonder he’s now a nobody - his life and political ideologies made those who may have helped him desperate to distance themselves instead. These days he’s simply remembered for being bat crazy. Shame really
He has evolved. In a lot of circumstances he’s admitted he has misunderstood a lot. That’s why he came back to his music.
Thank you for such a well researched report. I saw the Geoffrey Robertson "Hypothetical". There was nothing ambiguous or humorous, or edited. When asked about what he would do if Salman Rushdie came into a restaurant in London where he was eating, given the fatwah... He said, "I wouldn't kill him, but I would make a phone call." The meaning was clear. "I wouldn't kill him, but I'd tell someone who would." I'd been a huge fan, but all I could think was "what has happened to the man who wrote "Peace Train"? " I just wanted to burn the records I had loved so much.
but you don’t really know who is telling the accurate version. because you weren’t there. it’s just people talking.
He's just another lost artist trying to find himself but ended up in the wrong place. This research also gave me a bad taste in the mouth, sort of speak. Not gonna enjoy his music going forward now, tbh.
@@iquanyin1 How lame an excuse is that?
@@patagualianmostly7437 very lame, actually.
Given the seriousness of the matter, someone who doesn't want to be misunderstood would give a clear explanation, especially when people talks.
But he won't, because denying the value of a fatwah means. not just having a different opinion that your fellow co-religionists, which is not allowed there anyway, but also putting oneself in a possibly dangerous place.
@@Birdylockso look at his face und you will see he has a face of an angel. Still in his age. Don't believe everything the medias tell.
I grew up in 60-70’s and loved Cat Stevens! My all time favorite song is Peace Train. I agree with most of the comments…his life wasn’t tragic. He made decisions as do all people.
One of the very best singer and songwriter in the world Cat Stevans - Yusuf Islam
Cat Stevens lived a privileged lifestyle topped off with a gift for writing and performing music. His debilitating illness is most unfortunate, but perhaps the true setback was his departure from music.
Becoming Muslim, especially a Muslim who has signed on for a Wahhabi interpretation of Islam is beyond tragic. He is now an enemy of God and aligned with the Antichrist who is coming. He actually would have done better wasting his life in hedonism.
Use your brains
He has chosen Islam as his religion. May Allah SWT give him the highest rewards.He has got peace there and highly respected .
@@md.noorulkarim5542 Muhammad was a false prophet. Nothing about his life compares to that of Jesus, yet he claims to be superior. You are following what will be the base of the future Antichrist. The Bible even warns of false prophets, like Muhammad, ahead of time in Galatians 1. Your Hadith also conclusively prove Muhammad to be a false prophet. You, and Cat, have been deceived, my friend.
I’ve always loved Cat Steven’s music and personality, but didn’t know a lot of these details. Thanks for posting.
I had heard what was being said about him, but luckily I also heard Cat speak his truth. It's sad how people are so set for condemnation instead of just asking the person.
@@bkm2797 yes, it is. Seems most of the population are ready to jump on a band wagon at anytime. I despise that.
Yes excellent writer and singer
Look for his song "my smelly islamic arse".
@@bkm2797 The actual truth can be seen on a video where he absolutely supports the fatwa against Salman Rushdie. His statements that the media twisted his words are nonsense.
I always liked Salman Rushdie...intelligent man....use to listen to Cat before he turned muslim...then forgot he existed
CAT STEVENS :the famous British pop singer.
He sang many songs about world peace like" peace train".
Later he became ISLAM& changed his name as Usaful Islam.
Suddenly he started saying killing of Salman RUSHDE.
From Cat stevace to Usaful Islam- was"peace train" to killing.
Is it not Tragic??THAT IS RADICAL ISLAM:STAY AWAY FROM IT.
Good decision. Muslim twat.
@@shaileshmathews4086 I believe that the spelling of his name is Yusef Islam.
Salman Rushdiez views on your religion face the facts cat you can't see God whom you Say you love and worship, murdering your neighbour u can see is BULLSHIT 😂
Rushdie is intelligent. Likely more intelligent than Cat Stevens. But forgetting Cat Stevens because he turned muslim; that doesn't sound intelligent at all. More like childish.
Back in the day when people were 'discovered' they didnt have to compete with techno producers and ply their ability time and time again to record companies. Cat was a staple of mine along with Fleetwood Mack back in the day. God the music was good back then. Cat reminded us about what was 'real'. And I think we knew it then. It's good to hear he clarified his position on his website. But I don't remember even knowing he had a website to find that. It's sad the world was so traumatised by the press at that point because I loved his music and never lost that love.
I think that's why the people who become popular in those days were pure talents. That time period has so many talented artists, signers and bands. It was the real musical peak.
The song that reminds me of my first boyfriend is, "How Can I Tell You. " Just a couple of years ago his family and I had a memorial for him, and they played that song while we each threw flowers into the sea for him. He was caught in a rip-tide on the California coast and died at 16 years old. His family thought it was suicide. I was able to find them all these years later and explain the truth of it - they had never seen the report. It brought such peace to them to know it was not intentional, but an accident. It's mindblowing to hear Cat Stevens was also pulled out by the rip-tide here!
How did you have the police report/ autopsy report but the family didn’t? If he was your boyfriend and he died at 16, I’m assuming you were under 18 years old, and they don’t issue or even show autopsy reports to the deceased 16 year old girlfriend but not his mother/father.
@@MrNick-og4qm I didn't get the reports back then. He and I were the same age and I was out of town with my parents. A friend called to tell me but she didn't know any details except that he drowned. There was no public funeral, no obit, and his mother and sisters would not talk about it. 10 years ago I got a copy of the report from a friend who works for the county where the reports were filed. Listed C.O.D. was "accidental drowning while playing in the surf". Rip-tides are common along there. One of the witnesses said he was swimming out a little and coming back in on the waves and laughing, then was pulled out quickly. She thought he was purposely swimming out but he was fighting it, trying to swim back and eventually went under. That was in the report. His family had never seen the report (I don't know why). We had a memorial for him that year, and a lot of family came to share memories. ♥
@@ellen4956 I'm sorry for your loss, how tragic for his family to think for so long that he had killed himself, when he hadn't.
@@Bubbles-od2tv Thank you so much. I truly appreciate that.
Not a tragic life. An interesting life,full of ups and downs. Thanks for a good video
I've loved him since the late 60's and always will. What a great poet.
Shame, he's a terrorist supporter.
Stevens made his bed of fatwa nails and must sleep on them. He was afraid to speak out against the madness of his gutter religion. He has some embarrassing songs like Moonshadow and Peace Train. Not cool production, maybe would be better with better production.
@@matteg490 He has made his choices in life, you have made yours, and i have made mine. Only you can decide what is right for you. Every religion has it's faults, and all religions are a waste of time. But that is just my opinion.
@@tonyprice2256 Some are worse than others .. usually those religions that take very old text so literally. The Quran may not be worse than the bible but the more open-minded West just doesn't take it so literally, except for 50 million zealots who still don't stone heathens or kill misbehaving children (Old Testament) or have honor kills, etc. I don't know how common but it seems Muslims take the cake on hurting others in their families, hating gays, hating infidels - some kill them.
@@matteg490it sounds like your life is a mess.
My absolute favorite from Cat Stevens is 'Morning Has Broken'..... far and above any of his other works.
I think a woman wrote the lyrics, not him.
A Scot traditional song, later lyrics were added by Eleanor Farjeon as a Christian hymn. Stevens only did a cover of it with his soulful voice. BTW, Cat Stevens's parents were Melkite Christians but their son moved to the other religion.
He didn’t write that song but did sing it beautifully
Sad what happened. This guy was a brilliant Artist. Tea for the Tillerman is STILL a Classic Album. I waited and waited for him to return. Then lost track of him. After he converted to Islam I had to let him go. But I still listen to Tea for the Tillerman. The fact that this led to him quitting music is an horrific tragedy. I wish him well though and his journey and Thank him for all the great music.
100%.
Let him go? You must a dumbb american than wit a narrow mind
"I had to let him go."
You had to.
That's understandable but yet so sad.
@@jameswarrren2545 You can still listen to his music.
Mate hes still playing music. Nothing tragic about his life. If you think he is ..well look at your own my friend..
I've always loved Cat Stevens music
Oh, no. Are you also one of them...........converted to islam, lately ???
@@paulanthonybridge5741 Nope...not Islamic...
@@skwervin1 yes. Self proclaimed muzzy do not try to deny it you no-brain.
@@skwervin1 Do you smell like a muzzy ? Sniff your own arse and find out........
That was't said, they just said they always liked the music...
He was such a great song writer and singer. I loved his work in the 1970s. And thought it a great pity when he gave up his music for religion..
Yeah, the only tragedy here.
That he gave it up for the religion he joined is the greatest tragedy. He bought himself hell.
@@donaldwilliamfry
Μuslims believe that all non-muslims will end up in the sadistic muslim hell. Same as christians believe about non-christians. Religion is self deceptrion. It is just that this talented man chose to join the most backward and intolerant of all religions.
@@theo9952 Agreed!
@@donaldwilliamfry Agreed!
Wonderful presentation ! I loved the content and the editing. I love Steven's songs.
What Steven did about his religious affiliation is his choice. However, if his statements against Rushdie were so harsh, he has paid the price. Sentences once told cannot be forgotten so easily. He chose a religion which today is considered by other religious followers as violent, unforgiving, undemocratic and revengeful.
Sounds like the GQP
Islam is actually a beautiful religion if you care to look past headline news.
@@Bubbles-od2tv Yeah read history about how Islam was spread. No need to read headlines.
@@reviewerman9786 What's wrong with how Islam was spread? It was spread by word. I'm thankful it spread to my ancestors.
@@Bubbles-od2tv If you don't know, you don't know. There are plenty of history books out there if you have an open mind.
"Father and son". Hands down! ❤
Thank you for publishing this video which could help promote world peace while promoting Cat Steven's music both at the same time. What I have noticed about some businessmen too is how they try to control people working for them in ways that are unsustainable while they are shortsighted being concerned only about profit. Like for example when encouraging and /or coercing a young artist who is experiencing varying degrees of stage fright into consuming illegal and/or prescription drugs only to ensure their own performance by performance short term gain instead of encouraging the artist long enough to understand how to be both a successful artist and a healthy human being as they age. Because none of us can remain age 16 our whole life.
C Stevens, by contrast, has not promoted peace through his endorsement of the fatwa on S Rushdie, a well documented public pronouncement.
My teenage idol, Tea for the Tillerman, inspired me to learn guitar and played every song, loved it all, then saw him in concert in Hawaii early 70’s, amazing artist…then later switched to Islam??!!? Always wondered why?….your video finally told me the rest of the story, Mahalo!
I am very glad how in September of 2016, I went to New York City for one night to see Yusaf/Islam Cat Stevens in concert at the Beacon Theater. That way if Cat Stevens should pass away or completely retire from touring, at least I got to see him once in concert.
It”s always a shame when people catch the religion bug ( especially after “doing drugs”. ) and try to spread their version, I like Dave Allen’s approach “and may your god go with you” no pressure no pushing and definitely not preaching. I really like the emphasis on “your” it imply’s none as well ( he was an atheist )
I think Dave Allen got it right. He knew that no matter how much you pray for a miracle to restore an amputated finger....it's never going to grow back.
The religion bug only applies to islam im guessing?
@@drmodestoesq that's not the point of prayer
@@dahliajames6966 No you would be wrong to think that, I,ve seen the religion bug in all sorts of Christians and some other cults too! That’s why I said the religion bug and not the Islam bug!
@@dahliajames6966 you’ve not meet many Catholics I’m guessing!?
Thank you for posting this video. I have been a long time fan of Cat Stevens and I (along with so many others) was puzzled by all of the changes he made in his life.
Now I understand the reasons behind the changes and it all makes perfect sense to me.
My favorite singer while I was in University of Detroit Mercy I listened to his song wild wild world and put his poster on the wall. This song still make me cry
I don't think his life story was Tragic, in fact I find it beautifully inspiring. We all are searching for our Truth, our purpose, our calling. God Bless Cat Stevens for the courage he showed by singing/writing beautiful songs inspired by his struggles. Oh Baby it's a Wild World!!!!
The only thing tragic is that he embraced a religion that terrorizes and degrades women.
@@dyanshane you should recite al quran..to understand islam more
@@abaziz4604 It could have been a good religion, but men distorted it. No thanks. I will stay a Christian.
He is a murderous cvnt. Period.
@@dyanshaneIt doesn’t terrorize woman. Can you show me one Quran verse that does that ? You have no proof!! Like you also have no proof that Jesus (as) was Christian, prophet Muhammad (saw) was just another prophet, with the exception that he was the last one after Jesus (as) and he was prophesied in the Bible many times; Christian’s at his time recognized him from the Bible and accepted Islam like the Ethopian Christian king Negus. Even byzantine Christian emperor approved his message and him as prophet but was afraid of his peoples reaction if he would accept it. Or what do you think which prophet was talked about in John 1:19-21? Or Deutronomy 18:18? Or Isaiah 42? Men his name is even mentioned in Song of Solomon 5:16 in the original Hebrew ,,Muhammadim”
I knew Cat Stevens when he played at the Gaslight Cafe in the late '60's or early '70's, after his first hit record. He was the nicest, sweetest performer that ever performed there. It's been interesting following his career ever since. Nothing "tragic" about him at all. He was a great person and still is.
No, great people don't wish that other people who've written a book they disagree with should be burned.
@@blackmore4 : what are you talking about?
So you agree with him that all those who do not follow islam should die ? His words not mine.
@@catherinetodd In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa (an Islamic ruling) upon author Salman Rushdie for having written a book ('The Satanic Verses') which Khomeini pronounced "blasphemous". The fatwa called for a death sentence. Khomeini then publicly called for Muslims worldwide to murder the author or anyone else involved in the book's publishing.
Cat Stevens completely agreed with this lunacy and even appeared on British national TV to argue in its favour. The host of the show asked him if he'd be attending one of the rabid fundamentalist Muslim street protests where effigies of Rushdie were to be burned. Stevens replied, and I quote, _"I would have hoped that it'd be the real thing."_
He also said that if Rushdie turned up at his doorstep looking for help, _''I might ring somebody who might do more damage to him than he would like. I'd try to phone the Ayatollah Khomeini and tell him exactly where this man is."_
Peace Train? Yeah, right.
@@catherinetodd that he said salman rushdie should be killed
Born as Stephen Demetre Georgiou to a Swedish, Baptist mother and Greek Cypriotic father in London in 1948 (he's 75 tomorrow), he lived a one year (1956-57) with his mum in Gävle, Sweden (the world's most atheist country) in the 60s, before he moved back to live with his father in London, attending Catholic school. Cyprus is divided in a Greek (Orthodox Christian) and a Turkish (Muslim) part since 1974. Who wouldn't be confused under those circumstances?
/J, Sweden
Albania was the first atheist country.
His music will be loved for ever, so authentic and human. I often think of him as one lucky soul that found himself. So many of us are still struggling to be in peace with ourselves.
I wouldnt say his life has been tragic, total nonsense. Great musician, great songs and I believe a decent human being.
That's the definition of tragic. Decent human being? Ain't nobody got time fer dat😅 no he was one of the real ones
Decent? He took part in a movement that demanded more terrorist attacks and caused some.
Hear hear
Kind of ironic for "JC" to imply that a tragic life is indecent. Anyway, I don't see how so many commentators can claim his life wasn't tragic unless they're singer-songerwriters constantly builled and manipulated by their manager, have had near fatal cases of TB, have been so alienated that they lived alone and couldn't even talk to the cleaning woman, etc.
@@2Hot2 wtf
Loved Cat Steven songs, such a good musician, pity he had struggles and changed. Wish he was still Cat Stevens
It would be sad if anyone has not changed since the 70's
I think he has now come back to himself. Of course he has changed. Everyone does.
Doesn't excuse his vile rhetoric.
Yeah
Arrest those folk.aingwrs at the air port like ameruca does
Why cannot allow poets to speak freely
You wish he wouldn't be true to himself? Yusuf's not living his life to satisfy us.
I fell of a Rock into the sea in UK when I was 12 yrs old ..... I couldn't swim .... but when I was panicking and screaming a big plank of wood came bobbing by me which I grabbed onto and saved my own life .... but I never changed my religion because of it.
My God now is a Plank of wood.
Very interesting story about Cat Stevens.
I had no idea he had overcome such severe health problems. Wow! TB can still kill. Like some other diseases, the biggest danger from TB is failure to recognize/treat it.
My husband had TB. He was 18 when he threw up *a lot* of blood suddenly. He spent 2 years in the hospital as a Ward of the State, and another 2 years of regular check-ups. He's 73 now, and still hasn't any idea how he caught it.
My father died of Avian TB about 30 years ago. Back then that type had a bad prognosis here in the US.
Nah, your comment about TB is overblown. You have been listening to the government trying to take your freedom. **sarcasm**
TB is a hoax and government ploy to control you. you can't believe everything the media tells you - well that's how everybody treated what happened in 2020 even thought it claimed many lives. Why not TB? **sarcasm**@@rridderbusch518
I suppose he thought Allah had him covered....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I first listened to him when I was about 4 years old in 1969. I loved and have his albums, Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat, Catch Bull at Four and Mona Bone Jakon. My favourite song would be so hard to pick.... a choice between, Sitting, Father and Son or O Caritas.
Even then I felt he was searching for something, searching for guidance or a path or way. He has always been one of my favourite artists.
I loved his music and Peace Train is probable my favorite. Morning has Broken, I wish for my memorial. I named our cat Stephens. I never understood his beliefs but I loved his music.
The music stopped Because of the extreme religious beliefs he has come have. His religious beliefs stopped him from writing and performing. He now believes Salman Rushdie should be murdered for offending his damned religion. Political and religious authoritarians fear, distrust, and work to suppress such human expression that they don't control. That is what he has become, a nasty religious bigot.
Cat Stevens lived up to his values. I admire him, his values and music.
I loved CS as a young woman and teeager, and is for ever grateful of the beatiful music-experiences it has given me in my life. But we mature and grow, and go on our different paths. It is what it is. I am glad he has had a good marriage and familylife.
I couldn't care less how great his personal life is. He's a militant Islamist who endorsed the fatwa on S Rushdie.
@@robertnewell5057 You think I should dislike the fact that he has a good marriage? Of course he is an islamist, but he was not one when I "fell in love" with his music. That is not to say that I en any aspect support og like his religion or rather ideology. He once was a wonderful young Greek who made beautiful music. As already stated: It is what it is.
I always thought he was the most genuine musician out there......incredible music ❤️❤️
You were wrong.
It's interesting to hear that Stevens had some confusion regarding his sexual identity as a youth. Carly Simon has said that at the time she dated him in the 70s she was aware that he had male as well as female lovers. This makes his current stance in opposition to gay rights rather hypocritical. And he absolutely did support the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, even saying he would have been willing to carry it out himself under the right conditions. His denials all these decades are BS.
Excellent point on his support of the Rushdie fatwa. Unlike most everyone who claims that he recanted, I actually read his whole statement. The key take away is "too soon". He absolutely did not deny that Rushdie should be killed, he simply weaseled around about the fact in a world that hadn't yet become fully Islamist, it probably wasn't the best thing to do...and blah, blah, blah. There was no acknowledgement that killing for heresy is wrong, just that circumstance didn't as yet support the wisdom of doing it. He's full of shit.
@@citetez It's amazing to me that Mr. Islam can continue to deny he ever said those things, when it was all filmed.
He allowed his new religion to make up his mind for him about his sexuality and marital status.
@@lornahuddleston1453 I think that's an excellent observation.
@@GrumpX I think you're missing the point. It's not uncommon for people who struggle with their sexuality to convert to a religion which forces them into a choice. It's a way of avoiding the responsibility of working out ones issues. One might call it "Little Richard Syndrome".
Legend. Alhumdolillah saw the light. Most great people that are sincere do
Iran Enforced 10 Stupid Laws
1. Women are not allowed to show their hair
2. Women are not allowed to sing
3. Women are not allowed to dance
4. Women are not allowed to divorce
5. Women are not allowed to enter stadium
6. Women are not allowed to ride motorbike
7. Women are not allowed to go overseas alone
8. Women are not allowed to join military
9. Women are not allowed to become a witness
10. Women are not allowed to become a judge
It is not tragic… he is responsible for his words and action and no amount of white washing and back tracking can change that…..
@@patriciapowell6047 not sure how you find that funny… I used to love Cat Steven’s music, but after his support for the murder of Salman Rushdie, he is scum… and anyone who thinks supporting the murder of someone who views they do not support is scum…Yusuf Islam should have the guts to apologise… but he will not bc he has no integrity….
WHAT IS THE TRAGIC HERE?
CAT STEVENS :the famous British pop singer.
He sang many songs about world peace like" peace train".
Later he became ISLAM& changed his name as Usaful Islam.
Suddenly he started saying killing of Salman RUSHDE.
From Cat stevace to Usaful Islam- was"peace train" to killing.
THAT IS THE TRAGIC HERE.
THAT IS RADICAL ISLAM:STAY AWAY FROM IT.
@shailesh mathews, you're right. He also didn't sing for years because he thought singing was against Islam, I have no time for the man whatsoever, you can not white wash a black heart
@@firebyrd437 That was not his thought. The concept of "singing is forbidden " is not his thought , but islam teaches so , though muslims sing. You can have the proof for it in their Quran , tafseers (official explanations)and Hadiths . A real muslim does not sing.
Shorter Cat Stevens: I hate the music business....but I took the money.
I’m still in love with Cat Stevens . I fell for him when I was 14 years old.
I saw an amazing photo of him when in the 70s he looked great
Yes, he was very handsome.
yes, i was 8ish, & thought he was so cute
Very talented and wrote many wonderful hits. But when he said death to America, I was done.
Some intentional dubbing of his words was done by more than a few greedy tabloid rags and so called news outlets to "Get a story-and make some profit---you musn't believe everything you read or hear.
Yusuf NEVER said "death to America". You know, your TV actually gets channels besides Fox News.
gary lester,
he said that to you in a bathroom or something? if he had said that everybody who is talking about rushdie would be instead or also talking about death to america, something there is not a single word about happening anywhere on the internet
but let’s say he had said that, what on earth is there to say in defense of this country’s existence?
you must not know a single thing about the last 500 years of world history!!!!!
there has never been a bigger crime against humanity spree in human history!!!!!!!!
in addition to the other mountain ranges of crime we have literally poisoned the entire world and are just waiting for it to finish dying you blithering idiot!!!!
Great story of this wonderful artist, plus very interesting. Thanks for sharing his story. Great, inspiring.
Did you know that Carly Simon’s hit song Anticipation was written about waiting for her date with Cat Stevens?
I thought it was about ketchup.
I simply cannot believe that anyone can write songs that are so sensitively written with performed can be anything but a good human being
Didn't he support the attempted assassination of Salman Rushdie?
How wrong you are.
@@klaus3579 Nothing to question. The Idiot formerly known as Cat Stevens ist a totally worthless POS.
Rolf Harris & Jonathan King were also sensitive lyricists. 😉
People change. He did.
I loved Cat Stevens way back when and I love him now .
Love this man. He’s given us some of the most beautiful music.
I still play his CDs when driving. I've loved him since the early 70s.
He's no better than a murderer.
I even got my grandson into him a bit. Not bad for a kid who likes “urban” music 🙄 lol
@@gadaffi1000 ..and probally no better than the governor of florida lol
@@gadaffi1000 He's better than you.
@@blueforest2927 He's better than you.
I was caught in a riptide once. It nearly killed me. Instead of calling on God to save me I resigned myself to death. I was only 14 at the time. Had I known at the time you can easily get yourself out of a riptide. All you have to do is swim parallel to the shore a little and then swim in. Fortunately my younger brother finally came to my rescue on a surfboard.
LOL! dumbass!
When I was in my 60s I went for a swim in the ocean. The surf didn't seem that strong but after 15 mins of trying I was completely exhausted by the time I got out beyond the breakers. I'm not a strong swimmer, and no where near the physical shape I had been decades before. Instead of calling on God for help, I conserved my strength, rested up a few minutes treading water, and was able to get back to shore. My time in the military taught me I can do things I never thought I could do, if I persevered beyond where I thought I should quit. God helped Cat Stevens when he asked for it. I knew I could do things beyond my self-imposed limits. We all believe what we think we can do, and cannot do.
@@hifinsword I was a strong swimmer at the time when I was 14. At one point I tried to swim under the water. The bottom was flat rock. When I dove down I instantly understood my situation because I was pulled back by a swift current. I grabbed the rough bottom and pulled myself along as far as my breath would hold then shot up to the surface as fast as I could. I could tell I had gained little ground. I tried this tactic a few more times but it was wearing me down more than ordinary swimming. They don't call it a riptide for nothing. That current was fast.
👍
Glad you survived . I lost a friend to one and also saw a video of an Olympic swimmer that fought one and died . I was told you can also just float on it until it releases you and then swim back.
A man gifted with unsurpassed talents, yet seemingly ran in the opposite direction when fighting his demons......
Yeap, everytime he experienced fortune who ran closest to those who could take it away.
He didn't fight his demons, he embraced them. Becoming Muslim, especially a Muslim who has signed on for a Wahhabi interpretation of Islam is beyond tragic. He is now an enemy of God and aligned with the Antichrist who is coming. He actually would have done better wasting his life in hedonism.
@@donaldwilliamfry
great comment...it is how we live this life that determines out permanent home..and he chose to follow a counterfiet...he traded the truth for a lie
@@fredranahan8976 It is our relationship with Jesus that determines our permanent home.
What tragedy? He's had a fulfilling and blessed life.
I was a reporter in the war in the former Yugoslavia. At one point Yusuf Islam appeared to meet with Bosnian Muslims involved in the fighting. Somebody passed him an AK47 and he fired a burst into the air. A photographer from one of the British tabloids said "Now sing Peace Train!" At that Brother Yusuf stomped off in a huff.
Of course it had to be a smart arse British reporter!
British tabloid, say no more
And that beard! I remember when I was at college, I used to walk past a poster of him every day. I swooned daily. His songs were and remain epic.
I watch and listen to my favorites entertainers even if their politics or religion are opposite of my own because I enjoy them. I don't care about their beliefs. They are human and entitled to their beliefs just like the rest of us. Be they or I right or wrong is not a question that comes to mind when enjoying a movie or a song. "Oh Very Young" is a favorite of mine.
I love Cat Stevens and even more Jusuf Islam.
The first for being a lovely song writer and for his greek identity as being greek myself, the second for being a muslim as being muslim myself after converting to Islam
Alhamdulillah 💚