Cat Stevens Nominated for Rock Hall

Fox News ^ | September 14, 2005 | Roger Friedman

[Brainhose]

It had to happen eventually. Cat Stevens — now known as Yusuf Islam — has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

My sources tell me he's a shoo-in, too.

Stevens had several huge-selling popular records in the 1970s, until he became a Muslim and changed his name. Those hits were "Moon Shadow," "Peace Train," "Oh Very Young," a cover version of Sam Cooke's "Another Saturday Night," "Father and Son" and "Wild World."

A decade or more ago, Stevens was roundly denounced for seeming to back the fatwa, or death sentence, placed by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini on the head of writer Salman Rushdie for his novel "The Satanic Verses."

Last year he was refused entry into the United States on suspicion — ridiculous as it was — that he was a terrorist of some sort.

[ChildOfThe60s]

he was refused entry into the United States on suspicion — ridiculous as it was — that he was a terrorist of some sort.

A) He is a foreign national.
B) He is a Muslim who has openly expressed pro terrorist sentiments.
C) We can keep him out, if we want to, because we don't like the way he combs his hair. [see A & B]

The US does *not* owe entrance to belligerent foreigners.

[fedupjohn]

And am I correct that Lynyrd Syknyrd is still not there? Any so-called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that doesn't include them, that would even consider Cat Stevens, is a joke.

As soon as I saw the post I thought of the same thing. Disgusting.

[Freedom_Fighter_2001]

I see a Billboard headline "ISLAM ROCKS!"

For Billboard readers, it would work on many levels.

[Brainhose]

No Prob. I don't have kids but I like Spongebob.
Never seen the movie though :)

[Brainhose]

I've never heard either Paul Simon nor Art Garfunkel call for the assasination of anyone. :)

[Tribune7]

Will he be going in as Yusuf Islam?

It will be Americanized -- Joe Islam.

[jmc813]

And am I correct that Lynyrd Syknyrd is still not there? Any so-called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that doesn't include them, that would even consider Cat Stevens, is a joke.

LOL. You sound exactly like my father. It's amazing how many gay bands are there over Skynyrd.

[SerpentDove]

>>Did Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam make any kind of statement? Is there anything other than the fact that he is a (converted) Moslem that would support those who think he is in league with the fundamental, violent, extremists?<<

I read (but cannot corroborate) accounts here on FR where Yusaf said he was in favor of the assassination of Salman Rushdie (sp?), and that if his Mullah asked him to kill for Allah, he wouldn't hesitate.

But I do remember hearing many accounts of his statement about Rushdie, at the time. I believe it was what many Americans to boycott his music.

[SerpentDove]

>>No Prob. I don't have kids but I like Spongebob.<<

You should really see the movie. Better yet, buy it. You won't be sorry.

[Mr. Blonde]

I remember seeing when The Kinks were inducted, Ray Davies said, "Seeing everyone here made me realize that Rock and Roll has become respectable. What a bummer."

[weegee]

I guess that they would prefer to enshrine the fern bar "adult" pap that almost killed rock and roll ine 1970s.

The HOF is a joke. And they DO know good music and overlooked musicians. They underwrite the Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans every year.

[decal]

Is that REALLY Phil Mickelson on the right?