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COLUMN EIGHTY-EIGHT, APRIL 1, 2003
(Copyright © 2003 The Blacklisted Journalist)

THE CAT IS BACK

Subject: Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) records Song for Peace, his first pop song recording in more than 25 years.
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 13:41:00 -0800
From: "Murthy, Sujata" sujata.murthy@umusic.com
To: info@blacklistedjournalist.com

Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) Records Song For Peace
His first pop song recorded in more than 25 years.

Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as CAT STEVENS, has joined thousands of people around the world calling for peace.

In 1978, Cat Stevens recorded his last pop song for his last album, Back to Earth, and quietly retreated from the pop spotlight.  But in this turbulent time, after more than 25 years,  Yusuf Islam returned to the studio to re-recorded one of his most popular songs, "Peace Train."

Islam remarks, ""Peace Train" is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions and there is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again.  As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution."

With "Angel of War," Islam decided to revisit his musical legacy and rework a classic track. "Angel of War" is based on the melody of "Lady D?Arbanville."

Both tracks were recorded at Yellowbrick Studios during a recent trip to Johannesburg.  Islam had initially planned his trip to take part in the Nelson Mandela Concert to raise money for AIDS in Africa.  Although the concert was cancelled, Islam remained in South Africa. He started a medical center in Johannesburg for AIDS patients. Through the years, most of his royalties have been donated to various children's causes - including his charity Small Kindness - which has helped thousands of orphans and destitute families most recently in Kosovo and Bosnia.

Swept up by humanity and reflecting on the world today, Islam was inspired to record a number of new tracks with local South African musicians, "Because I don't play guitar anymore, African harmonies and rhythms have been an inspiration to me, I love the raw origin of the sound; it compliments my voice and words naturally?, Islam said.

September 2000 saw the release of The Very Best Of Cat Stevens marking his first gold record in more than 20 years. In 2001, the Cat Stevens Box Set was released from which he donated the royalties to the September 11th Fund and his charity, Small Kindness.

"Peace Train? is available at yusufislam.org.uk or catstevens.com "Angel of War? coming soon.  ##

CONTACT:   Sujata Murthy, Universal Music Enterprises 310 865 7812 sujata.murthy@umusic.com

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