Weekly Lesson is now online – Cat Stevens

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Title: Cat Stevens: A Journey of Music and Spirituality

Audio will be published on Monday 27th of May 2024 via the usual social Media channels.

Cat Stevens: A Journey of Music and Spirituality

Cat Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948 in Soho, London is a British singer-songwriter and musician whose career has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His story is one of artistic evolution, commercial success, and profound spiritual transformation. He is known in the UK for a variety of things.  Perhaps it is his hit songs which come to mind, or details of his personal life when he sensationally turned his back on showbusiness embracing the religion of Islam in the 1970s.

Early Career and Chart-Topping Albums

Cat Stevens gained early recognition in the mid-1960s with hits like “I Love My Dog” and “Matthew and Son.” His debut album, released in 1967, included the title track “Matthew and Son,” which reached the top 10 in the UK charts. However, it was his subsequent albums that truly solidified his place in music history.

Matthew and Son particularly left it’s mark on society, its catchy tune which was mimicked by many other artists of the decade remains one of the most memorable songs of all time.

1. Tea for the Tillerman (1970): This album remains one of Cat Stevens’ most iconic works. Songs like “Wild World,” “Father and Son,” and “Where Do the Children Play?” captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. The album’s introspective lyrics and folk-rock sound resonated with a generation seeking meaning and connection.

2. Teaser and the Firecat (1971): Following the success of Tea for the Tillerman, Cat Stevens released Teaser and the Firecat. The album featured hits like “Morning Has Broken” (adapted from a Christian hymn) and “Moonshadow.” It achieved triple platinum status in the US and further cemented his reputation as a gifted songwriter.

3. Catch Bull at Four (1972): This album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its tracks, including “Sitting” and “Can’t Keep It In,” showcased Cat Stevens’ ability to blend folk, rock, and soulful melodies. His introspective lyrics explored themes of love, spirituality, and self-discovery.

Conversion to Islam and Philanthropy

In December 1977, Cat Stevens experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He converted to Islam and adopted the name Yusuf Islam. His decision was accompanied by a radical shift in priorities. He auctioned off his guitars for charity and stepped away from secular music. Instead, he focused on educational and philanthropic causes within the Muslim community.

 It is difficult to know exactly what caused this decision or what was happening for him mentally at that time. Like many other superstars of his time he was linked to a number of actresses and featured in the headlines regularly before his conversion.

Controversy and Return to Music

In 1989, Cat Stevens found himself embroiled in controversy due to comments about the fatwa placed on author Salman Rushdie following the publication of The Satanic Verses. Although he clarified that he did not support the fatwa, the incident led to strained relations with some fans and media. At a time when Islam was becoming increasingly misunderstood in the West and his decision to leave behind his music, it is easy to understand why some people may have thought he had extreme ideas.  Yet he remains one of the best loved British musicians of all time, having emerged from a time of great change in the UK– the 1960s. His music evoked change revolution, peace and love.

After a hiatus from secular music, Cat Stevens had a revision of thought and returned to music in 2006 with the album An Other Cup, using the stage name Yusuf. His voice had matured, and his lyrics reflected a deeper wisdom. Tracks like “Heaven/Where True Love Goes” and “Midday (Avoid City After Dark)” showcased his continued ability to evoke emotion through song. He appeared more fatherly. No longer a heartthrob or teen idol but this time as a father figure with a round face and beard. He had changed and his wisdom had matured.

His return to music was welcomed in the UK, however caused great concern amongst some hardline Islamic groups who had previously celebrated his departure from it, leaving him caught between two different polarities. Expectations of stardom were dumbed down to allow him the space and time to live a spiritual life with all of it’s Islamic obligations.

Today he remains loyal to his faith and regularly appears on TV giving his opinion about politics, Islam, society and the Islamic world.

Legacy and Influence

Cat Stevens’ influence extends beyond his chart-topping hits. His music remains timeless, touching hearts across generations. Whether it’s the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar or the poetic lyrics that explore life’s complexities, Cat Stevens’ legacy endures.

In subsequent years, he released albums like Roadsinger (2009) and Tell ‘Em I’m Gone (2014), and even embarked on his first US tour since 1978. His journey—from pop star to spiritual seeker to re-emerging artist—serves as a testament to the power of music to transform lives and connect souls.

In conclusion, Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam’s story reminds us that artistry and spirituality need not be mutually exclusive. His songs continue to inspire, heal, and provoke thought, making him a true legend in the annals of music history. It moves beyond simple labels of religion, spirituality, stardom, fame and fortune. It also highlights the diversity of the UK and he is a shining example of how a person can choose the way they want to live.

It is ironic that even today his conversion to Islam continues to define the very thing which the 1960s stood for, to live a life which you choose rather than fitting into a culture which expects you to live by its standards.

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Monday – Write a story about a character from your culture or a person you know who changed, moved or made a major decision in their life. 250 words, 40 minutes.

Tuesday – List the grammar used in the above story and write 10 examples of each tense that you find.

Wednesday – Describe the life of your favourite musician – why do you like them so much, what is it about the person that you admire or like so much.

Thursday – What difficulties would a person face if they change their religion or culture. Why do you think a singer needs to go public with this?

Friday

What is the link between Spirituality and music – can you think of any connections? What does the proverb “Music is nourishment for the soul” mean?

Saturday

Write a list of 10 questions you would like to ask this musician. Try to write possible answers as well.