Cat Stevens Records for Iraq Children

The New York Times ^ | March 31, 2003 | ASSOCIATED PRESS

[LurkedLongEnough]

LONDON (AP) -- The ``Peace Train'' rides again.

Former pop star Cat Stevens, a convert to Islam, has recorded his first song in 25 years to raise money for children affected by the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

Stevens, who now uses the name Yusuf Islam, re-recorded his 1971 hit song ``Peace Train'' at studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It is among tracks on ``Hope,'' an album produced for the War Child charity that helps children in war torn countries. Other contributors include former Beatle Paul McCartney, David Bowie and George Michael.

``Peace Train is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions of human beings, and there is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again,'' Islam wrote in a statement posted Monday on his Web site.

``As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution to the dangerous path some world leaders today seem to be taking.''

Islam, who was born Stephen Georgiou, took Cat Stevens as a stage name and had a string of hits in the early 1970s. He abandoned his music career in 1977 and changed his name after being persuaded by orthodox Muslim teachers that his lifestyle was forbidden by Islamic law.

He later became a teacher and an advocate for his religion, founding a Muslim school in London in 1983.

``Hope'' will be released April 21.

On the Net:

Cat Stevens Web site: http://www.catstevens.com

[LurkedLongEnough]

His "school" is under investigation for possible "mis-handling" of charitable funds, too.

[Kenton]

``As a member of humanity and as a Muslim,

Sorry, the two are mutually exclusive.

[willieroe]

Former pop star Cat Stevens, a convert to Islam, has recorded his first song in 25 years to raise money for children affected by the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

How did this slip by the AP editors? That's a blatently false statement. Yusuf Islam (fka Cat Stevens) has recorded several albums of songs.

[Hillary'sMoralVoid]

Cat, where were you when the children needed you? Sadam was gassing, killing and maiming tens of thousands of children over the last decade. Your silence speaks volumes about your "morality."

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Stevens, who now uses the name Yusuf Islam, re-recorded his 1971 hit song ``Peace Train'' at studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Except that, in the spirit of Islam, in the new version he's substituted the words "Hijack the Airplane" for "Ride on the Peace Train".

[Ol' Sox]

And the cat in the cradle
and the silver spoon
Little Boy Blue
and the bomb goes BOOM!

[The Turbanator]

Cat, where were you when the children needed you?

To heck with the Iraqi children. What about our US children, the children of the murdered on 911.

[Conspiracy Guy]

"And if I every lose my brain, I'll no longer have to strain. Cause if I ever lose my brain, Awaaaaaaaaaaaa e aaaaay aaay aaay e aaay, I won't have to think no more."

[Cincinatus]

That was Harry Chapin, not Cat Stevens. Not bad, though... :^)

[Richard Axtell]

As a 30+ year fan of Cat Stevens, I exhort him to open his eyes, and realize that America is saving the children of Iraq and the Middle East in general. The insane monsters that send their children to be used as cannon fodder and suicide bombs, and Saddam's thugs who kidnap children to coerce their parents to also waste their lives for a Fascist dictator, are not his allies in this humanitarian endevour. Cat Stevens, wake up!

[Mustang]

"This Cat's a pussy, Big Time"

[PBRSTREETGANG]

As a 30+ year fan of Cat Stevens...

Even after he called for the death of Salman Rushdie?

[sharktrager]

The first single is expected to be the uptempo number "Duck and Hide". He also may release his cover of the song "Nowhere to Run To". Other tracks include "Respect", "Won't Back Down" and "I am the Walrus", which he says is in honor of Sadaam Hussein. In honor of the French he has recorded the Beatles song "Yellow Submarine".

"I felt it was important at this time when children are stuck in their houses to release an educational CD", Yusef was quoted as saying.

[Richard Axtell]

He can still come to his senses, and repent for his stupidity.
Others have, perhaps he can. Otherwise, he will remain essentially where is is, in ignorance and ignominity.

[sharktrager]

Evere read "Satanic Verses"? That piece of crap was so bad I considered issuing my own fatwa on behalf of readers everywhere.

[Ol' Sox]

Hoo boy, you're right! My apologies to the late Harry.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Evere read "Satanic Verses"?

I read excerpts and opted against reading the whole thing. Based on what I did read, I would've actually supported your fatwa for having a sound logical basis.

[joesnuffy]

thanks had almost forgotten about this scum bag...

[joesnuffy]

Harry Chapin

[ErnBatavia]

"I'm being followed by a cruise missile....cruise missle, cruise missle - kaboom"