Who's behind the notes? Discover Cat Stevens: From Folk Icon to Yusuf Islam
"Morning Has Broken" is a popular song that is often associated with Cat Stevens, although he did not write it. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Cat Stevens:
Origin of the Song: "Morning Has Broken" was originally a Christian hymn with lyrics written by Eleanor Farjeon in 1931. The melody is a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune known as "Bunessan."
Cat Stevens' Version: Cat Stevens recorded a version of "Morning Has Broken" for his 1971 album "Teaser and the Firecat." His rendition brought the song to a wider audience and is perhaps the most well-known version.
Chart Success: Cat Stevens' version of "Morning Has Broken" became a hit, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1972.
Album Success: The album "Teaser and the Firecat" was also a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It included other popular tracks like "Peace Train."
Yusuf Islam: In 1977, Cat Stevens converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam. He left the music industry for a period and focused on his faith. Later on, he returned to music.
Charitable Work: After his conversion to Islam, Yusuf Islam became involved in various charitable activities. He has supported numerous causes, including education and humanitarian efforts.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. The induction recognized his significant contributions to the music industry.
Legacy: "Morning Has Broken" remains one of Cat Stevens' most enduring and recognizable songs. It has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to be a beloved piece in popular music.
While "Morning Has Broken" is just one part of Cat Stevens' extensive musical catalog, it holds a special place in the hearts of many fans and is often remembered as a timeless and uplifting song.