Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens (also known as Yusuf Islam) is a successful singer-songwriter whose career peaked in the 1970's before his conversion to Islam compelled him to turn away from the spotlight. He released his first album in nearly 30 years in 2006.

On May 4, 2009, Stevens accused Grammy winners Coldplay of plagiarizing his 18-minute Foreigner Suite as the basis for their mega hit Viva La Vida. Two other musicians have accused Coldplay of similar thefts.The Sun: Cat Stevens accuses Coldplay (May 4, 2009)

After becoming ill with Tuberculosis at the age of 19, Stevens became more introspective and started writing music that was more mature and complex than his early work. His breakthrough album, Tea for the Tillerman, spawned a number of top-20 singles, including "Wild World", "Hard-Headed Woman", and "Father and Son".

Embracing the religion of Islam, Stevens changed his name to Yusuf Islam in 1977. The move caused him to give up his career as a musician (as forbidden my Muslim law) and focus solely on his spirituality. After more than 20 years away from music, he recently released his first album, One More Cup, under the moniker "Yusuf".