Yusuf / Cat Stevens developed from a polished teen idol of the 1960s into a long-haired peace-loving troubadour and one of the most iconic singer-songwriters of the 1970s. His compassionate and imaginative songs revealed his deep longing for a better world and in doing so resonated in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. In addition to his vast musical achievements, his lifelong spiritual quest saw him withdraw from fame and the music industry at the end of the 1970s. He converted to Islam and dedicated himself to a life of service through education and charity, receiving international recognition for his tireless efforts in the field of Humanitarian Relief. In 2003 Yusuf returned to mainstream music-making where he continues to use his platform to build bridges in an increasingly divided world and to spread his life-long message of peace.