Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with Peter Gabriel, Nirvana, Linda Ronstadt, the E Street Band, Hall & Oates, and Kiss in April this year.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Yusuf had a string of ‘Top Ten’ hits, including ‘Father and Son,’ ‘Matthew and Son,’ ‘Moon Shadow.’ And ‘Morning has Broken.’
Since then, he has founded several Muslim schools, and received many awards for his humanitarian work, including the ‘2003 World Award,’ the ‘2004 Man of Peace Award,’ and the ‘2007 Mediterranean Prize for Peace.’
In his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, he mentioned about the Islamic way of life.
“I never thought I would be on the same stage as Kiss. I am very happy to be here representing my band on behalf of ‘Cat and Father,’ ‘Father and Son and ‘Moon Shadow’ and the rest of the group. We are very honoured to be inducted.
“Musically, let us face it; we are all infamous. Something inspires us. One of the first things that inspired me was my sister’s record collection. She had Beethoven, my God, yes. The best pop song ever written was the Ninth Symphony, and Leonard Bernstein, who turned classics into a modern form. ‘West Side Story’ turned my life around.
“Then of course there was the other side, which was the Blues. You had Lead Belly, Grandfather of the Blues. Then came Bo Diddley and one of his lookalikes, Buddy Holly. The Beatles Bob Dylan came later and inspired all of us.
“Questioning the compatibility of this strange thing called ‘Rock and Roll’ with the detached and heavily fraternity lifestyle to which I belong; and considering that the judges have actually voted for someone who doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and doesn’t throw televisions out of hotel rooms and only sleeps with his wife; I would say that it was a very brave decision, and one which was unexpected, and strangely, outrageously Rock and Roll! Peace!”
