Counting down on my list of favorite songs from then and now of '72, I couldn't leave this one out. It's by a major star who has only recently re-emerged out of retirement from the music scene after twenty-odd years.
"Morning Has Broken" wasn't written by Stevens--now known as Yusef Islam--but was originally a Christian hymm with Scot-Gaelic origins. The lyrics were written in 1931 by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) , one of the siblings of a noted English family of letters. She counted among her friends D. H. Lawrence and Robert Frost. Farjeon wrote a variety of literature, and won several literary awards, but is remembered mainly for her writings for children.
The music came from a traditional church medley, "Bunessan". I hope this brings back some nice memories for you as well.
Here is a link to a recent CBS story on Cat/Yusef:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/30/sunday/main2221286.shtml
There was a recent BBC TV show from him. Brilliant muscian and a warm wonderful human being.
ReplyDeleteCat Stevens or what ever he is calling himself these days was an incredible music presence in the 70's. It was a great way to wake up this morning. Thank you my friend
ReplyDeleteI always like Cat Stevens, thanks Doug.
ReplyDeleteAh yes Yusuf Islam aka Cat Stevens, he's great so long as he doesn't catch the same plane as you, although I have never landed with a military escort before, it would make a nice picture I suppose. Fine tune anyway.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard he's had some problems with that. I suppose one shouldn't offer a snappy salute when descending a ramp surrounded by a bunch of Navy Seals with AR-15s pointed at you.
ReplyDeleteI guess I don't keep up on all these people. I didn't know he was Yusuf Islam lmao!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved Cat Stevens doug! I wore out two Tea for the Tillerman albums--and still have the 45 of the old schoolyard! Wished he hadn't gotten religion and flaked out--he was a gifted man! Thanks for sharing! Ciao!
ReplyDeleteginabeena
I guess "Cat Islam" wouldn't have been a sufficient change for a serious convert to the Faith.
ReplyDelete.45 records I think we're great--that little thing plastic you had to use on the turntable to make it fit. They were also right there handy. I like having a song you can hold in your hand rather than a download. I'm just out of touch I suppose. Glad you enjoyed it gina.
ReplyDeleteWow--some of the newsies you had on ole Cat kinda freaked me out--you think he's a terrorist??LOL He has aged pretty well-I always thought he was so cute! AND my brother told me burped the word "AND" in a song--whether that was on Morning has Broken--will have to research it--as it always cracked me up when I heard it!--Take care,bud--And Good night everybody--thanks for comin! LOL
ReplyDeleteoh yeah the song is Oh baby baby its a Wild world...ciao!
ReplyDelete