Happy Birthday Cat Stevens

Steven Demetre Georgiou was born July 21, 1948 in London, England. His family lived above the Moulin Rouge, a restaurant his parents operated. It was a short walk from Piccadilly circus in the Soho Theater district of London. We don’t know what any of that means but it sure sounds British and awesome.

Georgiou began writing and performing his songs in London coffee houses and pubs. He changed his name to Cat Stevens because he enjoyed pooping in a box. Cat got a manager and a record deal. His first song, “I Love My Dog” reached #28 on the UK singles charts. “I Wish I Could Lick Myself Like My Dog Does”, did not do as well. Cat’s first album “Matthew & Son” did well and went to #7 on the UK Album charts.

TB

In 1969 Stevens contracted tuberculosis and spent months in hospital and a year convalescing. During this time he wrote 7000 songs, many of which would appear on his later albums.

Starting in 1970, Cat had 7 top ten albums in a row. He released the masterpieces “Tea For The Tillerman” & “Teaser & The Firecat” and wrote so many incredible songs: “Father & Son”, “Wild World”, “Peace Train”, “Moonshadow”, “Tuesday’s Dead”, “Oh Very Young” and so many more. He dated Carly Simon – hey maybe “You’re So Vain” is about him!?

Save Me

In 1976, Stevens nearly drowned off the coast of Malibu, California. He shouted: “Oh, God! If you save me I will work for you.” Right afterward a wave appeared and carried him back to shore. He explained to God that he was appreciative that God saved him and he fully plans on keeping his promise, but he still has a few more chicks he needs to bang before he can work for him 100%. He converted to Islam a few months later and changed his name to Yusuf Islam.

Following his conversion, Yusuf abandoned his musical career for nearly two decades. No one knew where he went, many thought he died. After every terrorist attack, his name would come up. Islam gradually resumed his musical career in the 1990s and changed his name to Yusuf Mellencamp. Happy Birthday to an incredibly talented singer/songwriter.