Cat Stevens—who later became known as Yusuf Islam—rose to global fame in the 1960s and ’70s with timeless songs like “Father and Son”, “Wild World”, and “Peace Train.”

But behind the music and spiritual transformation, a quieter story was unfolding: that of his son, Yoriyos, who has played a pivotal role in both his identity and musical renaissance.

Yoriyos: Rekindling Music with Depth and Defiance

Yoriyos, Yusuf’s only son, grew up largely out of the public eye alongside his four sisters. As Yusuf embraced Islam in the late 1970s, he stepped away from secular music—selling his guitars and dedicating himself to education and humanitarian causes. For years, the sweet chords of Cat Stevens went quiet.

Then, in the early 2000s, something changed: Yoriyos quietly brought a guitar into the house. Yusuf initially didn’t know how to take the gesture. But within a day, the elder artist had picked up the instrument again and composed a new song—marking the beginning of his musical rebirth and a return to creativity.

Yoriyos released his own debut album in 2007 under the name Yoriyos, blending folk-rock with influences from electronica and world music. His sound is bold yet sensitive, a reflection of his roots and contemporary spirit.

Together, father and son reimagined Cat’s 1970 masterpiece, Tea for the Tillerman, releasing Tillerman² as a collaborative effort in 2020—a generational musical dialogue made manifes.

Their relationship is grounded not just in blood, but in shared artistic vision. Yusuf credits Yoriyos with opening his heart back to music and inspiration. In interviews, he describes the moment the guitar appeared as a turning point—something that reignited his creative fire and rekindled the Cat Stevens of old.

Today, Yoriyos manages his father’s musical affairs and continues his own artistic journey—writing, performing, and collaborating. Meanwhile, Cat Stevens tours and records again, often joined by the fresh energy and insight of his son.