Over 40 artists cover the music of Yusuf / Cat Stevens
in a YouTube special event

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Tea For The Tillerman, an album that has touched the hearts of millions and elevated Yusuf / Cat Stevens to legendary status as a musician and songwriter. On the occasion of this significant milestone and to celebrate the remarkable impact of his broader musical legacy over 40 bands and musicians including the likes of Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, HAIM, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Passenger and James Morrison have generously given of their time and talent to perform songs from across the entire Yusuf / Cat Stevens catalogue.

With participation from artists from a wide range of different musical backgrounds and at various stages of their careers, the CatSong Festival represents the unity and spirit of inclusion that is an essential aspect of Yusuf’s message of peace. The remarkable quality and sincerity of the performances that make up this project shows how profoundly Yusuf’s influence is felt at all levels in the industry; from those just starting out on their musical journey to those who have become legends in their own right and at all points in between. 

“It’s great to see and hear these covers of my songs given new life. There’s no better honour for a songwriter than to have his songs performed by talented musicians with such love and sincerity. Thank you.” – Yusuf / Cat Stevens

With the extended disruption to the music industry due to the global Coronavirus pandemic the CatSong Festival has also taken on a new significance. Having had to cancel a full year of scheduled touring in 2020, Yusuf is all too aware of the significant threat that the ongoing pandemic poses to live music and is keen to be a part of the solution. He sincerely hopes that this event will give the participating artists a chance to share their talents with his and each other’s audiences. At all levels of the industry, it is imperative that we find ways to allow musicians to connect with new audiences to keep the flame of live music burning. 

Click on the names to learn about the artists:

Dave Matthews, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Jack Johnson, HAIM, Passenger, Andy Allo, James Morrison, Imelda May, Feist, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & Matt Sweeney, Ron Sexsmith, Eliane Correa & Fedzilla, Hamza Namira, Ariel Posen, Mimi Naja of Fruition, Vintage Trouble, The Brothers Landreth feat. Murray Pulver, Mary Spender, Mollie Marriott, Jason Kerrison, Matt Costa, Sad13, Ruby Waters & Debbie Bechamp, Braison Cyrus, Cinzia & The Eclipse, Mark Diamond, The Lucky 13s, Laura Sheeran, Laughton Kora, Noah Kahan, Parker Gispert, The Heartstrings Project, Leoni Jane Kennedy, Sen Morimoto, Kwame Yeboah & Eric Appapoulay, Samba Dos Amigos feat, Mani Santos, Erika, Charlie Austen, Alun & Becky Davies, Felicity Urquhart, James Tillman, Moise