Yusuf Islam returns to music biz with new album

LONDON (Reuters) – Yusuf Islam, the pop star formerly known
as Cat Stevens who left the wild world of the music business in
the 1970s, is returning with a new album that he hopes will
bridge the divide between Islam and the west.

The singer converted to Islam and dropped the Cat Stevens
name in 1977, leaving the music industry where he had hits
including “Moonshadow” and “Peace Train.”

More recently, he made headlines in 2004 when he was denied
entry to the United States and his flight was diverted after
his name turned up on a watch list.

“There were one hundred reasons for leaving the music
industry back in 1979, not least because I had found what I was
looking for spiritually. Today there are perhaps one hundred
and one good reasons why I feel right making music and singing
about life in this fragile world again,” Islam said.

The as-yet untitled album, due for release this autumn on
Universal Music’s Polydor label, was produced by Rick Nowels,
who has also worked with artists such as Madonna and Dido.

“Much has changed, but today I am in a unique position as a
looking glass through which Muslims can see the west and the
west can see Islam,” Islam added.