Youssuf Islam, the 59 year old singer who was known as Cat Stevens before he embraces Islam, announced plans to release a pop album, his first in nearly three decades, reported Bloomberg.
"I feel right about making music and singing about life in this fragile world again," Islam, who wrote and performed such 1970s hit songs as ``Moonshadow'' and ``Morning Has Broken,'' said in a statement.
Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, left the music industry two years after he converted to Islam in 1977 after a near-death experience in the Pacific Ocean. He received a copy of the Qur’an, Muslims’ Holy book, and quickly embraced Islam and adopted a new name. He didn’t speak of his recording career for years.
Islam, a native of London, will make his return to the "Wild World" with An Other Cup, a new album set to be released in November via Atlantic.
“It is important for me to be able to help bridge the cultural gaps others are sometimes frightened to cross.”
“He was just beginning rehearsals for this album,'' Atlantic Chief Executive Officer Craig Kallman who flew to London to meet with the musician as soon as he heard news of Islam’s return, said in an interview.
“It was a chilling experience sitting in a very tiny rehearsal room as he was working through all the new material.”
The new album “speaks to the essence of all the great Cat Stevens albums of the past,” Kallman said.
Islam has returned to his music career in recent years, releasing a re-recorded version of his song Peace Train in opposition to the Iraq War.
Atlantic plans for a visit by the Muslim singer to the U.S. around the time of the release of his album.
Islam, placed on the watch list ``for activities potentially related to terrorism,'' as claimed Homeland Security spokesman Garrison Courtney, was denied entry into the U.S. two years ago.
His plane from London was diverted to Maine and he was sent back to the UK.
