Yusuf / Cat Stevens has written an autobiography. Cat on the Road to Findout documents the singer-songwriter’s rise from folk troubadour to pop sensation before his conversion to Islam and temporary retreat from the public eye. The book comes out October 7 in North America, via Genesis Publications, shortly after its UK release on Constable on September 18.

In a press release, the artist said:

I’ve been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem—ignoring myths and warnings—and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe.

As well as the music career that has landed him in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the book will address two near-death experiences—one with tuberculosis, the other a near-drowning—that steered his life and music. After the latter ordeal, he dedicated his life to faith, family, and humanitarian work, earning accolades including the Man of Peace Award, voted for by Nobel Peace laureates.

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