CAT STEVENS NAMED ONE OF TIME’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN POLITICS — AND THE STORY BEHIND IT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

When TIME magazine released its list of the 100 Most Influential People in Politics, few expected to see the name Cat Stevens — the gentle-voiced singer-songwriter behind timeless classics like “Father and Son”, “Peace Train”, and “Wild World.” Known for his poetic lyrics and spiritual journey rather than political campaigns, Stevens’ inclusion may seem surprising at first glance. But according to TIME’s editors, his influence reaches far beyond music — it’s about the quiet, enduring power of compassion, understanding, and bridge-building in a world too often divided by ideology.

Born Steven Demetre Georgiou in London, Cat Stevens became one of the defining voices of the 1970s. His songs captured the hopes, doubts, and moral awakenings of a generation searching for meaning after an era of turmoil. While his melodies were soft and his delivery tender, his message was anything but small. He sang about peace, faith, love, and the responsibility of individuals to make the world a better place — themes that remain deeply relevant today. In 1977, after a near-death experience and a long spiritual search, he embraced Islam and took the name Yusuf Islam. The transformation marked a turning point not only in his personal life but in his life’s purpose.

TIME magazine’s decision to honor him this year is tied to that lifelong commitment to peacebuilding. In a statement accompanying the announcement, editors wrote: “Cat Stevens’ influence in politics is not measured in speeches or laws, but in his ability to remind the world that humanity is shared, not divided. In times of global polarization, his voice — steady, humble, and deeply spiritual — continues to inspire understanding across boundaries.”

In an age when political rhetoric often fuels division, Cat Stevens’ example offers something radically different: empathy. Over the past decades, Yusuf Islam has used his platform to promote education, humanitarian relief, and interfaith dialogue. His Small Kindness charity has supported refugees, orphans, and victims of war around the world. He’s spoken out against violence and extremism, calling instead for compassion and respect among faiths. For him, politics is not about partisanship — it’s about the moral duty we owe one another as human beings.

Reacting to the news, Stevens offered a characteristically humble statement. “It’s a great honor,” he said, “but I don’t see myself as political. I simply believe that peace begins within each of us — and when music can help people feel that, it’s already doing the work.” His words reflect the very philosophy that has defined his career: using art not to divide but to heal.

Cat Stevens’ journey — from chart-topping pop star to spiritual teacher and global humanitarian — has been one of transformation and reconciliation. In the early 2000s, he returned to music after nearly three decades away, blending his old identity as Cat Stevens with his new life as Yusuf. Albums like “An Other Cup” and “Tell ’Em I’m Gone” proved that his gift for melody and storytelling hadn’t faded. What had changed was his sense of purpose. Each song became a quiet act of bridge-building — between cultures, between generations, and between the secular and the sacred.

Today, that legacy resonates more than ever. His music, often used in humanitarian campaigns and peace events, has become a universal language of hope. Songs like “Peace Train” — once written as an anthem for harmony — have taken on new life in modern contexts, reminding people that unity is still possible in an increasingly fractured world. “I’m just a singer,” Stevens once said, “but sometimes songs can do what speeches cannot.” TIME’s editors seem to agree.

Those close to Stevens say that despite decades of fame and recognition, he remains one of the most grounded figures in modern music. He lives simply, spends time with his family, and continues his charitable work quietly, without fanfare. “Yusuf doesn’t see borders,” said one longtime collaborator. “He sees hearts. His influence isn’t about politics — it’s about conscience.”

By placing him among world leaders and activists, TIME acknowledges a truth that often goes overlooked: that influence isn’t always loud or visible. Sometimes, it’s the voice that calls for peace when everyone else is shouting. Sometimes, it’s the song that reminds us of our shared humanity when politics forgets it. Cat Stevens has spent a lifetime offering that message — and in doing so, has shaped not only music but the moral conversation of our age.

As the Piano Man of peace, Cat Stevens continues to inspire millions who grew up with his music — and countless younger listeners discovering it for the first time. In a world hungry for meaning and decency, his selection as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people is more than an honor; it’s a gentle reminder that kindness and empathy still matter. His melodies may be soft, but their message endures like an echo — one that tells us we can still build a better world, one song and one heart at a time.