‘It’s a Bit of a Gift’: Yusuf Islam on His Break and Return to Music : NPR
The story is well-known: After making some of the most distinctive music in pop history, the artist once known as Cat Stevens became Muslim, changed his name and gave up performing to concentrate on faith and philanthropy. Now, as Yusuf Islam, he’s back with a new album called Tell ‘Em I’m Gone, and is making his first US tour since 1978.
Yusuf Islam spoke with NPR’s Scott Simon about returning to the stage and what he gained from being away so long. Hear the radio version at the audio link, and read and edited version of their conversation below.
More: ‘It’s a Bit of a Gift’: Yusuf Islam on His Break and Return to Music : NPR