Cat Stevens, the British singer-songwriter who later became known as Yusuf Islam, is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. With over 100 million records sold, his folk-rock classics like “Wild World,” “Father and Son,” and “Peace Train” have defined a generation. For more on the era he helped define, see our article on Best Folk Rock Artists of the 1970s. His story is not just one of musical success but also of profound personal transformation, including a conversion to Islam that led him to step away from the spotlight for nearly two decades.
Born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948, in London, England, to a Greek father and Swedish mother, he rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After a near-fatal bout with tuberculosis, he underwent a period of intense spiritual reflection. His journey from a global pop star to a devout Muslim, and eventually back to music, makes him one of the most fascinating figures in modern music history.
Today, he performs and records as Yusuf / Cat Stevens, continuing to release new material and tour. His story is one of artistic brilliance, deep faith, and a lasting connection with millions of fans worldwide.
Who Is Cat Stevens?
Steven Demetre Georgiou, 21 July 1948, London, England
Yusuf Islam
Folk, Rock, Pop
1966–present
Over 100 million records worldwide
Fouzia Ali (m. 1979)
Approximately $30–$40 million
Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 100 million records sold. His most streamed songs include “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” and “Morning Has Broken.” He converted to Islam in 1977, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and took a long hiatus from secular music before returning in the 2000s. He is married to Fouzia Ali and has five children. His net worth is estimated between $30–40 million, driven by catalog sales and ongoing touring. For a deeper look at the artists of that decade, explore Best Folk Rock Artists of the 1970s.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name at Birth | Steven Demetre Georgiou |
| Stage Name | Cat Stevens |
| Religious Name | Yusuf Islam |
| Marital Status | Married to Fouzia Ali since 1979 |
| Children | Five |
| Famous Songs | Father and Son, Wild World, Morning Has Broken |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30–40 million |
What Are the Most Famous Cat Stevens Songs?
Cat Stevens produced a string of timeless hits during his 1970s peak that continue to resonate with audiences today. His most enduring tracks include “Wild World,” “Father and Son,” “Peace Train,” “Morning Has Broken,” and “Moonshadow.” These songs appear on his landmark albums Tea for the Tillerman (1970) and Teaser and the Firecat (1971). For full discography, see AllMusic’s Cat Stevens page.
What Is the Meaning Behind ‘Father and Son’?
“Father and Son” is widely interpreted as a dialogue between a father and his son about the generational divide and the son’s desire to break away and find his own path. Stevens wrote the song during a period of personal reflection, and it has become an anthem for anyone navigating the tension between tradition and independence.
What Album Is ‘Morning Has Broken’ On?
“Morning Has Broken” appears on the 1971 album Teaser and the Firecat. The song is a hymn-like piece that became one of Stevens’ most recognizable hits, showcasing his gentle vocal style and piano-driven arrangement.
Stevens’ most enduring work was released between 1970 and 1974. Albums like Tea for the Tillerman and Teaser and the Firecat contain the majority of his best-known songs, including “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” “Morning Has Broken,” and “Peace Train.”
Who Is Cat Stevens’ Wife and How Many Children Does He Have?
Cat Stevens married Fouzia Ali, also known as Francis Zimra, in 1979. The couple started their family shortly after he left the music industry following his conversion to Islam. According to available sources, Stevens has nine children. One of his sons later encouraged him to pick up the guitar again, a moment that helped facilitate his return to secular music in the 2000s. More on his family can be found through his Instagram.
What Is Cat Stevens’ Net Worth?
Cat Stevens’ net worth is estimated to be in the range of $30 to $40 million, though exact figures are not officially confirmed. By 2007, he was earning approximately $1.5 million annually from his Cat Stevens music catalog alone. With over 100 million records sold and billions of streams, his wealth is substantial, though specific 2025 data is not available in recent sources. For additional financial context, Billboard’s coverage provides periodic updates.
Stevens has pledged much of his wealth to philanthropic causes. In 2007, he was estimated to be earning $1.5 million per year from his music catalog, which he directed toward Islamic charities and educational projects.
Cat Stevens: A Life in Music and Faith
- 1948 – Born in London, England.
- 1966 – Released first single, “I Love My Dog.”
- 1970 – Released breakthrough album Tea for the Tillerman featuring “Father and Son” and “Wild World.”
- 1977 – Converted to Islam and changed name to Yusuf Islam.
- 1979 – Married Fouzia Ali.
- 2006 – Returned to secular music with album An Other Cup.
- 2023 – Released autobiography On The Road To Findout.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Cat Stevens?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cat Stevens legally changed his name to Yusuf Islam in 1979. | Exact net worth figures vary by source and are not officially confirmed. |
| He is married to Fouzia Ali and has five children. | Future tour dates for 2025 are not yet fully announced as of early 2025. |
| He continues to record and tour under the name Yusuf / Cat Stevens. | Specific details about his daily life and current religious practices are not widely reported. |
What Is the Context of Cat Stevens’ Career and Faith?
Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) represents a unique intersection of massive commercial success in the 1970s folk-rock scene and a deeply personal religious transformation that reshaped his career. His catalog remains highly relevant, with billions of streams, while his personal story of conversion and return to music provides rich biographical context. His faith journey is described as a reconciliation of a “restless spirit,” distinct from the fundamentalism that followed the events of 9/11. For a broader view of that musical era, see Rolling Stone’s feature on Cat Stevens and also our earlier piece on Best Folk Rock Artists of the 1970s.
Sources and Quotes on Cat Stevens
“I have sold more than 100 million records and have more than two billion streams.”
“On The Road To Findout – Autobiography out now!”
“So Much Left To Know… The Greatest Hits available now.”
What Is the Summary of Cat Stevens’ Life and Career?
Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) represents a unique intersection of massive commercial success in the 1970s folk-rock scene and a deeply personal religious transformation that reshaped his career. His catalog remains highly relevant, with billions of streams, while his personal story of conversion and return to music provides rich biographical context. For more on the era he helped define, see our article on Best Folk Rock Artists of the 1970s.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Stevens
Why did Cat Stevens change his name?
He converted to Islam in 1977 and adopted the name Yusuf Islam as part of his faith.
Is Cat Stevens still Muslim?
Yes, he continues to practice Islam and performs under the name Yusuf / Cat Stevens.
What is Cat Stevens’ most popular song?
“Father and Son” is his most streamed and recognized song.
Did Cat Stevens retire?
No, he returned to secular music in 2006 and continues to tour and release music.
How many children does Cat Stevens have?
He has five children with his wife Fouzia Ali.
What is Cat Stevens’ real name?
His birth name is Steven Demetre Georgiou.
What was Cat Stevens’ first album?
His debut album was Matthew and Son, released in 1967.
Does Cat Stevens still make music?
Yes, he continues to record and tour. His most recent album, King of a Land, was released in 2023.
James Sutton is Senior Reporter at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering breaking showbiz and entertainment stories. He works under Editor-in-Chief Victoria Winslow and Managing Editor Oliver Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.