Yusuf Islam writes musical, Moonshadow

Yusuf Islam - formerly known as Cat Stevens - has written a musical featuring his classic tracks.

'Moonshadow' - which features classic songs from the artist, formerly known as Cat Stevens, including 'Morning Has Broken' and 'Wild World' - debuts in Northampton this July, and if successful it will have a run in London's West End.

Original 'Mamma Mia!' cast member Siobhan McCarthy is singing previews from the show as part of the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Awards, hosted by comic actors James Cordon and Sheridan Smith, at the Prince of Wales Theatre on February 15.

Yusuf, 60, recently revealed he is recording a new studio album with his old label Island Records, which released his acclaimed albums 'Teaser and The Firecat' and 'Tea For The Tillerman'.

Last month, the singer released cover version for charity of George Harrison's 'The Day The World Gets Round' - with long-time Beatles associate Klaus Voorman.

Yusuf said: 'George was also more responsible than any other artist for initiating pop music's movement to aid people and countries stricken by war and calamities. His 'Concert For Bangladesh' was the first of its kind. I hope this song will help remind people of the immense legacy of love, peace and happiness we can share when we get round to looking at mankind's futile wars and prejudices and start to change our foolish ways.' – Bang via MSN

Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens, releases song for Gaza ~ Malaysiakini

Singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, released on Sunday a charity song whose proceeds will go towards assisting Palestinians in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

The new recording of the song 'The day the world gets round', originally recorded by George Harrison, features Yusuf on vocals and Klaus Voorman, known to many as the fifth Beatle, on bass.

The song can be downloaded online at different rates and its proceeds will go towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Save the Children to aid children and families in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA said in a statement.

Yusuf said on his website he hoped the recording will "help remind people of the immense legacy of love, peace and happiness we can share when we get round to looking at mankind's futile wars and prejudices."

As Cat Stevens, Islam, now 59, recorded several major hits in the late 1960s and 1970s. He converted to Islam at the height of his fame in 1977, devoting himself to education and philanthropy.

Israel's 22-day offensive in the Hamas-ruled territory, which ended on January 18, killed more than 1,300 Palestinians, including hundreds of women and children, medics say. It also left widespread destruction.

UNRWA said the song can be purchased online at http://www.jamalrecords.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home -- Agence France-Presse - 1/26/2009 3:21 PM GMT