Yusuf/Cat Stevens: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

In the summer of 1971, I was a camp counselor at a sleep-away camp for a bunch of 5- to 7-year-olds. For those eight weeks, I walked home with about $50. I bought a guitar and began to learn the songs I'd come to love from the recently released Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens.
"Father and Son" touched me most - it's a song about growing old, and about beliefs and conviction. More than 40 years later, that songwriter is performing at my desk with his son standing right behind me. You can never imagine the turns life will take.
Nor could he. In 1976, Cat Stevens almost drowned off the coast of Malibu. In his panic, he says, he shouted, "Oh, God! If you save me, I will work for you" - at which point he recalls a wave that came and carried him ashore. He converted to Islam, changed his name and left the pop world after one last album in 1978.
He finally returned in 2006, and now we have a new record, Tell 'Em I'm Gone. From that album of great blues covers and originals, produced with Rick Rubin, Yusuf plays some powerful new music, as well as the 1967 classic "The First Cut Is the Deepest" - and then brought me to tears by dedicating a version of "Father and Son" to me. As I walked around the office after this Tiny Desk Concert, I heard one story after another of an artist who has touched so many. It's a joy to have him back. --BOB BOILEN
Set List
"I Was Raised In Babylon" (1:08)
"The First Cut Is the Deepest" (4:32)
"Doors" (7:45)
"Father and Son" (10:38)
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Susan Hale Thomas; photo by Susan Hale Thomas/NPR

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@georgeedwards]

Skipped it

[@writereducator]

National Marxist Radio.

[@patrickcooper4362]

@@georgeedwardsdon’t blame ya

[@karenlovestosmile]

My father has dementia, but he knows every word to Father and Son, a song that has only grown in meaning to me over the years.

[@seanmolenkamp4034]

This is lovely!

[@helenkelly4355]

father and son is one of best songs ever written in my opinion.

[@mholtebeck]

"Father and Son" is such a beautiful song. When I first heard it, I heard as the son. Now- at a much older age, I hear it from the perspective of the father.

[@wyganter]

Mark Holtebeck Never heard that sing until today. It was okay, but wish he’d played “Wild World”.

[@montvm]

Same here. First heard it when I was in my very early 20's, as a Son.....And now i have a 10 year old Son so i too have heard it from both perspectives

[@timinla64]

I’ve always thought that was the intended irony of the song..

[@Seasherm]

I sang it for my father in 1973.

[@josephgrumet]

Mark Holtebeck Word up!!! My God so true friend.... me too, me too....

[@Maliceah]

That opening speech by Bob Boilen was so moving, coming from a genuine place. Thank you for being so open.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

I thought it was unnecessary and self indulgent.

[@jojobar5877]

@@Neil-Aspinall you sound fun

[@Neil-Aspinall]

@@jojobar5877 Joey I am fun indeed!

[@darcy-yo]

@@Neil-Aspinall I agree, actually, and Yusuf/Cat didn't seem in the mood to hear an anecdote--though I feel like Boilen deserves a bit of license for producing such a great series.

[@desrochesf]

@@Neil-Aspinall I thought your comment was unnecessary and self-indulgent.

[@smanbh]

“It’s hard but it’s harder to ignore it.” So perfectly phrased for so many moments of our lives.

[@budsurtees4224]

After 5 decades, Cat Stevens is still a beautiful voice and his music is still precious. One of the best.

[@740andrew]

listening to him sing is like getting a hug and someone saying, "Don't worry so much, it will all be okay". I could use more of that

[@emilygraham6196]

I was thinking the same thing like I just got a hug from Cat Stevens

[@danielvmelim.studio]

beautiful

[@holliroll8789]

Hearing First Cut like this is the hug I needed all year

[@holliroll8789]

Trying to believe that. This will remind me.

[@julianwaugh968]

I am sending you a hug ! And if you don't mind kissing frogs ......

[@萩原順子-l6c]

Father and sun song taught me how to speak English. I used to write down the lyrics on my note book hundreds of times till I could memorize them completely.

[@julianwaugh968]

Well done! I hope you are doing well with your English You showed great initiative Just remember not every one speaks poetry .

[@AdFunk]

Seeing as you're learning English I thought you might appreciate me pointing out that it is "Father & Son". A father gives his son life. The sun gives us all life.

[@Dabberz1]

@@AdFunk 🙃🤘

[@DCLocal84]

That's such a cool story. Thank you for sharing.

[@marcdumont2275]

Hahaha that's amazing

[@elsagreen1476]

My father taught me 'Father and son' when I was a teenager. I'm his daughter, but the story that song tells is universal. Yusuf's voice doesn't sound a day older than in 1971.

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

I am right with you! He played it again for me on record a few days before he died at 52, 15 years ago. Even at 26 I knew how heavy this song is. Our Dads are everything. :)

[@fredgien]

@@OfficialMyxomatosis I totally agree!

[@lorettarodman9117]

Fun observation, in the music video for father and son it’s a man that looks like a grandpa and his granddaughter. I always thought this was weird but then I thought: this song is universal, so it sings father and son but shows father and daughter or some variation.

[@azmike3572]

Anyone else teary-eyed listening to this song?

[@mausgrau]

his voice did not change a bit you are right - goosebumps for me since 30+ years

[@GavinLeBlonsky]

Cat Stevens has to be one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He’s up there with Lennon, McCartney and Dylan.

[@elvissoto4661]

My father passed away from COVID in April, he was 57, those weeks were the worst weeks of my life, this song makes me tear, but it helps, RIP Dad 😔

[@kentbrandmeyer2104]

We have never met but please accept my condolences on your loss. The power of music as a means to remember and honor who we love and bring us all together is undeniable

[@conallxd2257]

im sorry for your loss, i lost my father in 2018 he was 49 himself. please honor your father in any way possible, even if this just means being happy and embracing life, thats what they would have wanted. Rest in peace

[@chloescat]

I'm sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences.

[@julianwaugh968]

My dear fellow human, welcome to our club. I know the anguish you must feel, my father died and he was the world's #1 dad !( Seinfeld episode) If this is your first experience of death ,then get help , I have had 4 of my family die and quite frankly you come to terms with it. Remember them well, send out good vibes to the stars and the children of stardust. He will come back to you when you think of him. You dont have to build the Taj Mahal to honor him ,just be excellent to yourself and others

[@elvissoto4661]

@@julianwaugh968 thanks that’s the best reply I ever got

[@ArnoldPranks]

0:40 what a heartfelt moment. He finally got the opportunity to tell his idol how much his art meant to him.

[@dumpsterfaerie]

My dad passed away in 2008, but his soul lives on through those old cassettes I have of Cat Stevens and other bands like CCR and Bad Company. He bought them at a flee market in the 80's for 50 cents a piece, but they're by far my most significant material belongings. When I hear this familiar voice, I feel the greatest sense of nostalgia. All the memories of my dad and I lying in his bed listening to "Wild World","Moonshadow","Peace Train","Father and Son" ..All of those songs hold a very special place in my heart.

[@racer774]

+HeyyyCarriAnn12 - Touching story. Many songs remind me of my parents whom have both passed. As long as your memories and reminiscing are of happy times, just remember that your dad would never want you to be sad. His light lives on within you and I'm sure you carry it quite well. Just think how lucky you are for having such a loving, cool father.

[@JamesMiles619]

+HeyyyCarriAnn12 I enjoyed reading your story about your Dad. Thanks for sharing... Be well CarriAnn

[@mbookwalter700]

+HeyyyCarriAnn12 Same here. My dad passed away in 2010. I remember growing up listening to Cat Stevens and My dad singing along. His songs, style, and voice will always be special to me, too.

[@carnerotron]

+HeyyyCarriAnn12 These songs make me remmember our car trips from Lima to the north of Peru, 8 to 10hrs driving in the 80's, with a box of cassettes of CCR and Cat Stevens, my dad drove and I was very young.

[@tiberio135]

Hello, sorry for your loss. Your dad must have been around my age, he had great taste in music. Cat Stevens is absolutely one of the most talented author/singers of our time. It's unbelievable that he is considered """a danger to the national security of the u.s,""""

[@andreacarvajalespinoza8300]

1:11 I was raised in Babylon 4:33 The first cut is the deepest 7:45 Doors 10:40 Father and son

[@alcap-z5d]

Love him ❤

[@thedcmac]

He just blows me away. After all of those years of stepping away from music, he comes back and doesn’t miss a beat. The world was robbed of decades of Cat Stevens’ insane talent and music, but it was great to have him back.

[@JackyRogue]

Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam story: I used to work for a Backline hire/Rehearsal studio in London. Yusuf was in for a fair bit during a summer a few years back possibly round about the year of the video. The summer was peak season for us. Finishing late one evening I left work after hearing him rehearsing his songs for the most part of an entire day throughout the building, many of which mean a great deal to me and very early on in my musical journey inspired me deeply. During my usual 10min walk from the studio to Bermondsey tube station, walking just ahead of me was Yusuf and who I think was his son taking the same route, I walked the entire time wanting to shake the man's hand and tell him how much his music meant to me and how much I admire him as an artist, but I didn't say a word. I still regret that to this day. So I must say watching Bob speak with Cat at the start of this video gave me some kind of vicarious relief that I never got to experience myself!

[@catherinecheek7990]

He's now seventy years old, and still has that voice, pure raw talent. Thank you, Yusuf, for years of memories.

[@liamg1618]

Cat Stevens in his prime was the greatest singer songwriter and guitarist in the history of popular music in my opinion. His voice was also stunningly pure. The fact that he wrote Here Comes my Baby in 1967 is still hard to fathom, he was only 17. Of the great songwriters I put him right at the top with Dylan, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, etc.

[@ankapleune]

Father and son. Still beautifully sung. Thank you Cat Stevens/Yusuf

[@sherribauer884]

Everytime I hear Cat,Im thrown back when I was 17.Thank you for keeping your door open !

[@mmennonno]

He still looks fantastic and his voice is incredible.

[@dubenstein6347]

Mike Mennonno he does and yes that iconic voice is right there

[@mercybuckets8268]

Takes care of himself. Everyone should. :-D

[@blackmore4]

I think his capacity for hypocrisy, particularly regarding his religious fundamentalism, is way more incredible.

[@humphreyblogut672]

@@blackmore4 Far less so than your stupidity.

[@pfzt]

@@blackmore4 would you say the same thing if he was christian? think long and hard about your answer.

[@nickandrews3834]

Not ashamed to say that brought a tear to my eye. What a beautiful soul. xx

[@joebhall5439]

Mr. Yusef Islam, I used to not sing because I did not like my voice. Then, when I was a junior in high school another kid sang "Father and Son" at a talent show audition. He sounded just like me. I've been singing ever since. Thank you for opening a door with your music. NPR thank you for sharing. Hey Bob, I just bought a guitar and and amp. Maybe, I'll do Tiny Desk one day.

[@lostintime8651]

I became a singer for the chicks. I stopped singing years ago. No more chicks.

[@StathisPanagou]

@@lostintime8651 rip

[@musicmad67]

You must continue. No one else sounds like you, and you have your own take on any song. Don't try to sound like anyone else 💚☮🎵🎸

[@bluemoonriver1926]

Joe this comes from some random stranger on the internet but I sincerely hope I see you on in a few years

[@johnsrabe]

Joe B Hall you must learn and play I Love by Tom T Hall!

[@ehughes1134]

My son and I had a falling out he hasnt spoke to me in over a year. I miss him. His siblings miss him. This song makes me cry but its cleansing. I send it to him. No response.

[@OriginalMangereBoy71]

Invite him home for a Sunday family lunch or dinner.. Just keep trying bro.🤙🏾

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

Send him your love from the heart. Send him the best wishes from the heart. See in you mind things going well for him. Then leave it alone. Surrender it to God. Let go, let God. Meanwhile find any thoughts that make you happy. Never think sad thoughts about your son, instead fill yourself with good feelings about anything that makes you happy. Then just go about your like. When you feel good you attract good feeling experiences and it doesn't have to be about the issue you are struggling with because you can't feel bad and attract good. Find any reason to feel good like pet the cat or walk in the park or watch comedies.

[@fajriarmansya5541]

I’m really sorry to hear that. I wish you and your son will talk again anytime soon.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Parents are huge in a child's life. Your son may need to re-fashion how he sees you in his own mind. Hopefully, it's of importance that he reconnects.

[@makaikitchel1803]

Put the Chevy to the levy and make it work. Godspeed.

[@agathalee3432]

I wrote in my journal this morning that I feared my heart was becoming numb during this pandemic, from seeing massive suffering and violence on screen day after day. Then this video just popped up on my screen. My heart is not numb, just afraid to feel and process, for I could not stop weeping when I heard him sing Father and Son. Someone once said, "You never know what's going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, a street intersection, the smell of a cup of coffee. It can be just about anything...and the wave comes crashing." It was a song for me. Thanks up popping up on my screen.

[@Andrew-qk7ri]

I've never related to a comment more... thank you for sharing, that was beautifully said!

[@kailianamcdonald7439]

Things will get better, love always remains, as fear passes away. I know how hard it is to lose loved ones and I've felt those same emotions. I understand now that death is tragic yet beautiful as I know the soul continues on and on.

[@DH-mf2qt]

For anyone confused about his heart I think that first song says volumes. I will always listen attentively to all his creations. Timeless

[@MAgaSUXX]

Yeah.

[@lindahart5413]

So many memories in these songs...I am 72 now, but these songs were monumental in my twenties and early thirties. Thanks NPR

[@pamjarvis4805]

i saw him live in 1969, very small,intimate underground club, and he has never left my heart

[@dstldthrlrmov-.-3256]

Bran Evans dude shut up, that’s a minuscule part of Islam and definitely not the reason people choose to convert. no way in hell that’s the sole reason someone would change their faith to it, and in the muslim community that’s practically seen in a joking light because no one cares for that. These people are here to enjoy Cat Stevens, not debate about Islamic customs

[@cippyjournals]

@Bran Evanshow sad of a life you must have :( hope it gets better for you, you can only go up from where you're at

[@Tesla_Death_Ray]

@Bran Evans You know muslims are just as prone to ignoring the shitty parts of their book as christians, right?

[@biggiebaby3541]

@Bran Evans Soft headed, inconsistent, hypocritical liberals, don't sweat it.

[@honkifyoulikeit]

I survived my youth listening to cat. He simplified those confusing years into small really relatable thoughts. This pulled me back 35 years when I hoped for the family and peace I have today. What a legend

[@carolmccullough-kuchar4782]

Love this song. Brings back so many memories. Missing my sister, brother, mom and dad. Lost them all.

[@chrisvenditti9122]

A true poet ....often can defy the rules of time, can bring us back to a memory so vivid u can taste the air, and can create change in less than 2 minutes...cat is a gift to us all and is among the best we have ever had...

[@gibbethoskins8621]

Cat Stevens = Legend ...side note: Dude looks cool af at his age✌

[@sandragriffiths9692]

How old is he then?

[@jessicad2999]

You mean hot? Lol

[@marshalltalk3619]

Sandŕa Griffiths 70 old

[@sandragriffiths9692]

@@marshalltalk3619 Thank you. Younger than me then😁

[@normasmith6491]

He looked pretty cool (hot) in the 1970’s too!

[@santiagosus]

His music was pretty much the soundtrack of my childhood. I'm so happy he's coming out and playing shows again

[@jessicad2999]

Can't believe I missed this concert! So easy to get wrapped up in life and your career and miss that your hero dropped by Tiny Desk 5years ago!

[@ruuddekoff1090]

It took me by surprise too, but what a beautiful surprise...

[@terrykelley9404]

Cat Stevens. Beautiful man and music. Thank you what a blessing you are. Father and son is such a touching song. It always makes me cry. I think why am I crying. Its touching. No matter when Ive heard it. God bless you.

[@jackal8868]

You are one of the greatest Cat... literally one of the greatest voices of my life. I am so glad you came back to honor us with your love and music.

[@kennyj43]

I discovered Cat Stevens' music when I was in my early teens and I've been a fan ever since. I still love his music. Everyone comes to God in their own way and in their own time. His music has always been spiritual, uplifting and beautiful. It still is.

[@mortygoldmacher]

His voice is still unique and compelling 45 years after I started listening to him. What a treasure.

[@TheOriginalMrBadaBing]

His voice is timeless.

[@nell5775]

This music has been playing as long as I’ve known my mum would play me all the greats when I was little and we’d dance to them in the kitchen her father did the same and everyone always closes their eyes for a moment when he starts to play because we all have those young memories that we carry with us

[@Becsarb]

Since the 70's I've always loved his music, and always admired his conversion, marriage and life. G-d bless.

[@evelynmousseau611]

How do you express to Yusuf ... the millions and millions of listeners that are so very deeply touched to hear his beautiful expression of life and how very grateful to U-tube that we have video and in 2023 can relive and revitalize our future ... This beautiful, beautiful man, this creature that was gifted to our Universe .... from the Universal Stars for we humans on earth ...... so grateful that Sir Yusuf has given me back my Youth and to be once again enhanced by this Prophet of knowledge and to be able to convey his soul for the betterment of this place we can Earth ....

[@jan2bratt]

I love the way Bob Boilen seems so awestruck and admiring of Yusuf. Thanks for having him come to the tiny desk concert! Very much enjoyed seeing and listening to these new songs and old ones.

[@IndyRickHikes]

jan2bratt j

[@trav-c137]

@Bran Evans only the radical jihadi believe that. there are many different types of Islamic versions of the religion. try to educate yourself a little on the things you speak or write about.

[@_yak]

@Bran Evans a radical is unable to enjoy the simple beauty in front of their eyes and ears. Their ideology screams so loud that they can't simply listen and see. Go back and watch this video, really listen. Then read the comments you chose to leave, and ask who is the real radical.

[@humphreyblogut672]

@Bran Evans Try not being a moron sometime. It's not that hard.

[@danaelona4081]

@@_yak bob couldve just listened instead of making it political. U know its true

[@jaybats7865]

In November of 1972 I was 19 years old and had just moved to Miami Florida from Maryland. I went to see Cat Stevens perform at the Miami Beach Auditorium which had previously been the home of the Jackie Gleason Show. Cat Stevens was performing on stage that night with a full orchestra behind him. I was thoroughly blown away by his performance. His talent and stage presence was something I will never forget. I have been to dozens of concerts in the decades since then but none have touched my soul as deep as that night in Miami Beach. Thank you Cat

[@howbethdoesit5695]

Father and Son is such a powerful song. I am my sons Mother and this song is how I feel about my son, as his father actually failed him as a parent.

[@nagabilly]

Im sure your boy is glad to have you though!

[@detomsiga4051]

I dedicate to you HARD TO FIND THE WORDS by Cinderella on his behalf.

[@CentraljocK]

NPR Tiny desk concerts are always amazing but I cant believe i was lucky enough to find this Diamond in the gold. Thank you Yusuf and NPR what a glorious day!

[@margarethughes3763]

My ex fiance and I loved Cat Stevens we listened to his music in the 70, he broke my heart, and I never got over it, The first cut is the deepest. Moonshadow, a new door opened for me recently in love.

[@WGBHMusic]

He's able to draw you in with his voice immediately. No denying the man's talent. Fun surprise to see him on the Tiny Desk

[@motorcop505]

WGBH Music He can hum alone and he is still better than 99% of the others out there today.

[@erock81487]

God. ‘Father and Son’ always gets me. I love you dad.

[@unacarafea567]

Back in the day, Cat Stevens was my alter ego. I left the military and dove into his music. I looked like him. I sounded like him. Never as good as him. learned all of his songs and made a living playing them in public. Him and his music will be a part of me till the day I'm gone.

[@margaritaleon2502]

I hardly talk to my dad. Our relationship is stranded and beyond repair. One thing he did give me was a box of LP records that i played and danced as a teen while he was on "business trips". One LP was "Tea for the Tillerman" and father and son was the first English song i learned from beginning to end. I don't have a lot of my dad right now, but i sure have Father and Son. Thank you! 🇪🇨

[@kangfesher]

Voice is still as lovely as ever. Chills.

[@SilentAttackTV]

"I know that I have to go away. I know I have to go." always hits me like a truck

[@lukewilliam3601]

My dad and I would listen to Tea for the Tillerman on our way to all my little league games. I'll always think of those rides when I hear this man's beautiful voice.

[@cym247]

Impossible to forget you Yusuf Cat Stevens...his place in the best corner of the hearts...Thank you so much for this tiny concert...

[@covemangreg]

Yusuf shows you definitely don't need over production and dancers etc to fill the void. A singer, songwriter and am acoustic guitar. No auto-tune, just from the heart.

[@martysun7096]

Grew up in Chicago.... Yusuf's music was a serious balm for the "older-heads" that were aged enough to really be affected by the times and what the nation was into.... they passed on the best artist to us. Yusuf is one of 'em.

[@mlkcaioy2538]

Cat Stevens means much for me , I got a beautiful feeling in his music cuz it reminds me traveling with my mom and dad looking for the nature and staff like that , I remember that cuz the world used to be brighter than today

[@merrittsparks271]

Father and son always brings me to tears. Crazy how the older you get the more relatable it gets.

[@blissfulbaboon]

Father and Son is one of those songs that will always be as powerful as the day it was first penned and put to music

[@susihuber2388]

How comforting a sound! That makes regret sooooo much not talking to him when I saw him walking in the streets of beautiful Vienna two years ago. Chasing my then 4 year old I just only noticed that it was him a few seconds too late.

[@mootbooxle]

I can feel his soul coming through! What a treat to hear him now! So glad he’s back. And here come the tears. 🙏

[@davidhartz8902]

Can you feel him in his soul fantasizing about killing Salman Rushdie?

[@peternolan2415]

I grew up on Cat Stevens music i remember learning to play his songs and today i still play them what a wonderful blessing thank you Yusuf...

[@digitalteachers]

At 17 I lost my mother who I was so very close to ......this music saved my lost life as a boy.....and directed me for the next 10 years. Thank you Cat Stevens I still am alive and living life to the full :))

[@ElizabethAyoub]

He was not a singer or songwriter, but a prophet of song and highest form of poetry. I'm formed because of him and S&G. Bless them all. Music like that is foreign to the current radio waves.

[@dojifly]

Thank you. I have loved Cat Stevens for 53 years.

[@JayGerland]

I think we are all Bob Boilen in this video. Thanks, Cat.

[@imlostinthewoods]

Oh my... The First Cut... that voice, just wow! Such an amazingly talented poet and songwriter. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world again!

[@YummyBaer]

That song Father and Son makes my eyes rain like a monsoon every time. Thanks Yusuf/Cat. Much Love to you from an old soul

[@anthonygostling]

Dear Yusuf you will always be Cat Stevens to me, been with you for years and always will be. Thanks for your songs.

[@pitselehfanny]

My mother born in 1946 loved his music. I love it too. Miss her so much (she died in 2015 from the worst disease SLA)

[@karenkueter8975]

I listened closely to the words of his soul, like the world did. Glad he keeps on singing to us - it’s food for our spirits.

[@raybrown8887]

Watching this video and remembering when I first heard Father and Son and later learned to play it. I is hard to listen without crying I don't have a relationship with my Father makes me sad but it is the way it is. Yusuf rocks and is getting better with age, I am 60 years old now and still play the song along with his music or video, really brings me peace deep inside.

[@MARCELGENIO7]

@Bran Evans I support good music and pure souls The rest is shit like your comment

[@tiffanieqaisar4632]

I don't have a relationship with mine too. But I think of it as an anthem to all youth and sad how it begins in our youth and then we live to old age and we sound like the father. We essentially become our parents. But it's our destiny to correct their mistakes as well. 💛🧡❤

[@alexbroere2669]

When I was a kid my dad would play Tea for the Tillerman so I grew up with it. From Sad Lisa to Father and son loved all his songs. Now years later I still find myself putting that album on and thinking back to all those great memories.

[@mrroderick1976]

I'm almost 45 years old. My father introduced his music when i was 12. It always made me relax and be in the now, the present. Beautiful music! Thank you Cat Stevens.

[@danboone1245]

One of my major musical influences growing up. I’m so glad for his songs which made me appreciate the words of songs. Later I got into hard rock/heavy metal beats, but his music will always hold a special place in my heart. Indeed, I chose “Father and Son” for my son’s funeral.

[@kapitanbordchicoy8417]

I've lost my father 30th Sept. 2018 after battling with failing kidneys and complications , i was in Thailand by the time of his passing and that day was scheduled for my audition as a resident resort musician, I cannot come home, lack of financial capabilities, barely just enough for a visa run and having my first job after a year of waiting around, I was supposed to come home, as I saw my fathers body was being prepared, cleaned by all the apparatus and IV's, the Doctor told me, that I even if I come home, I could not bring my dad back, but she said it would be nice to "give everything you got, for you will still be here tomorrow... ", I was so depressed that moment, everything flashed to me, since the day that I came to this world, he was the one who stood by us, after our mother abandoned us when we were still kids, everything in the lyrics of Father and Son, reflects to what is what we face in life, Cat Steven's songs inspired me to being what I am to be, just like my father did to me and my sisters, now, I am doing for my two Boys, he was laid to rest with a mere video call to see my Father, I am still here in Thailand trying to move on to that tragedy the struck me, it hurts me so much, but Prayers and this powerful song Father and Son, bring me comfort everytime I am about to breakdown, I am sharing this story of mine and I know a lot of us had a much unfortunate story to bring, but this song touched my heart and everyone else, the first song I have learned when I picked up a guitar 3 decades ago, will still remain as an inspiration for me, and will be passed on to my children, who both play guitars and sing, and so forth to my grand kids, that it healed and help me through a lot when I was helpless in a foreign land.. One day I will come home, to pay my respects and sing this song to my Father who did everything for us His children, thank you so much Mr. Cat Stevens, for giving me comfort in the saddest day of my life...

[@jen2196]

I hope your life is beautiful and I know whatever is happening with you, your father is proud. Thank you for sharing and I'm sorry for your pain and loss.

[@iamthew0lf]

“Father and son” touched my soul right in the childhood.

[@kathyd2595]

Unbelievable. I have always loved the beautiful voice of Cat Stephens. He is the ultimate storyteller, sharing wisdom, peace, and love.

[@gadaffi1000]

Nope. He shares murder and hate. His songs make him money.

[@jackjackson697]

He and I could not be further apart concerning faith. There really is no way that I can rationalize a religion based upon the Quran. That said, Yusaf presents himself as a quiet, humble and decent human being. He has a unique talent for songwriting/storytelling and his voice is as strong as ever. His message of peace and decency cannot be brushed away based upon his choice to follow the Muslim faith.

[@gadaffi1000]

@@jackjackson697 You obviously missed the part where Yusef volunteers to murder Salman Rushdie because he wrote things that didn't tally with his beliefs. Because he sings beautiful songs that makes it ok, yup? There are a few people I'd like to see crucified for hurting me but I accept that I might be regarded as repugnant for killing them. In mitigation of my crime, I will sing a lullaby and be forgiven. Job done.

[@eps6483]

His voice doesn't change. He reminds me of my youth. It's still pleasant to hear him !

[@alexparvu]

i grew up listening to cat stevens, my father played his albums everyday although it was the 80's in the eastern european block, under the unforgiven communist censorship and terror, he would still get the best albums and books from the west somehow! i have learned english from him by reading and translating all the beatles tunes. he is in his 70's now and i am grateful to him for the early musical education that he gave me, he really introduced me to the best tool to overcome all life's turmoils. i am doing the same thing now with my son but it's definitely easier in this day and age to have acces to all the culture that you need and seek and we should be thankful for that!

[@ronmimnaugh7674]

Father and son was my favorite from this set. I hope he gets to play that song many more times in his lifetime.

[@SKOJCV]

Ron Mimnaugh Powerful song- has brought tears to my eyes before as a youngster and a grown man.

[@tytell77]

See his concert with Boyzone

[@Aritul]

Ron Mimnaugh I went to that one immediately.

[@tophr3509]

Love it as well. I wonder if he is tired of it lol

[@jeantourage420]

As far as I can remember, my dad has always loved this song and sung it to me. Brought tears to my eyes watching this

[@Imissthepostoffice]

I just love him so much. Always did. He saved my life, back in the day. Very positive vibes

[@gtroyFJB]

Still have his albums. Listened to him allot when I was in my late teens and early twenties. I’m 66 and still love his music

[@guitarsncarsnart]

His songs were large in my Teenage life. Especially as a young musician type.. What a strong talent....Father and Son here made me tear up as a 61 year old...Father...

[@diva70smusic]

My favorite singer songwriters are from the 70s. Songs from them were about family, peace and love for all mankind, and an everlasting lover for life. Simple songs with heavy meanings. Music sure has changed 😢.

[@doyrayburn2668]

I loved this song back in the day, when I was young myself. Now, I am older and I have my own sons. This timeless song takes on a whole new meaning for me now as my youngest has left for California and I know that life as I have known it the last 25 years, is over. I never anticipated how difficult it would be to experience this from the other perspective. But I know, in my mind, that the meaning of life is not "discovered" but rather created by us, moment by moment, day by day and I must now accept being a dad in a different way. My mind knows this, but the heart just isn't listening...

[@Erica99-ps1sv]

This comment made me cry as much as the song did as my youngest son just moved also, to New York. He with his wife and my first grandson. I never imagined I'd be a long distance grandmother.

[@spindillio]

Doy Rayburn Your sons are lucky to have you.

[@CalifornianCuttlefish]

Father and son makes me cry, but it's just so beautiful, I will always love cat Stevens/yusuf islam for his beautiful voice, and bob boiled is so heartwarming, Great Video!

[@wolfgangfalck1250]

When he does music it's always like magic, I myself am not too much into this folksy singer songwriter kind of music but Cat/Yusuf makes it work in my ears in my mind in my brain and the whole body. I bet he forgot more about music than I'll ever learn. Great perfomer too, in his days. Always stunning to see so much talent...

[@dustyandmax2239]

I love you Cat, you are the soundtrack to my childhood. If you want to sing out ...sing out!!🙌

[@lovesallweneed]

If there is one thing that joins humanity, it is music.

[@jimparfitt2330]

Wow....So good to see my old friend. His songs were such a huge part of my life....and still are swirling around my head very often.. Also, for me, "Father and Son" was just an iconic tune. God Bless you, Yusef !

[@clare1061]

I can remember listening to the music as I cruised around in my old 71 T-Bird. When he stopped making music it was a major blow to what I listened to. He's a true gift to the world through the music he makes.

[@Scootchels]

Man, he sounds and looks great! I feel a loss for the years without.

[@blaneycrabbe3390]

Do you mean back when he 'quit' 'Stardom' and instead persued Islam ? Boy did he ever get a dose of reality ! It's eazy to guess that he wasn't allowed to be himself.i.e. a musician. But I guess that he came to his senses. Man the stories he could tell ! ! !

[@paulsolon6229]

Nice. Thank you Such a lovely voice b f, now strained. He has many superb songs. Grew up in high school on cat and others

[@RichM0410]

Cat Stevens has been a part of my life since 1970 at 8 years of age. Love his work and here in 2020 still listening 👍 1k disliked the video I’d been surprised IF there’d been 1. Hmmm

[@figvania4805]

Those are from people who cant play music

[@terryernest6264]

It broke my heart when you stopped your music ... a star went out ...

[@terryernest6264]

@Zebra Lady75 ...islam frowns on music

[@maalcolmclaarke875]

I love the music and wisdom of this man. His songs speak to and for me and my life.

[@DorothyPotterSnyder]

"I thought we were the chosen, I must have been wrong." Yes. Beautiful, beautiful.

[@sofiabarbieri8262]

Father and Son will never not make me cry. Such a beautiful and moving song.