Yusuf /Cat Stevens has shared an endearing cover of ‘Here Comes The Sun’ in tribute to George Harrison, with gorgeous cover art designed by Yusuf’s eight year old granddaughter. The release marks the anniversary of what would have been George Harrison’s 80th birthday this week, and comes in tandem with the announcement of an exciting new partnership with Dark Horse Records, the boutique record label founded by George Harrison and operated today by his son Dhani and David Zonshine. Listen to ‘Here Comes The Sun’ here.
Speaking about George Harrison’s profound influence on his own musical and spiritual journey, Yusuf says:
“George Harrison was beginning to explore Eastern mysticism around the time I was hospitalised with TB, in 1968. Lying in bed, I had a lot of time on my hands and ended up reading a Buddhist book called The Secret Path. That was the beginning of my own search for the light.
While most of my generation were just into the music, I was a bit like George, where music became the key to something much higher. Following the rages of the 60’s, his consciousness was awakened, and George transcended to levels not many people ever get to experience. You can hear it in his lyrics, and see it in the way he lived and dealt with the material world – looking for a way out.
George was one of the first to put on a charity concert for the poor, at the time millions of Bangladeshis were fleeing from conflict and becoming refugees. It was a brave thing to do, and against all establishment rules.
I’m happy to sing one of his songs, especially as it represents the returning of light and hope to a seriously dark and broken world.”
In welcoming Yusuf / Cat Stevens to the Dark Horse Record label, Dhani Harrison said:
“I’m thrilled to welcome Yusuf / Cat Stevens to the Dark Horse Records family. Not only is Yusuf a great musical legend but his songs could not fit the Dark Horse mythos any better. From his back catalogue, through to the new music we can’t wait for you to hear. Yusuf is without question one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, It is a great honour to be able to give his music a home on our humble yet historic label.”
Yusuf has already teased that a brand new Yusuf / Cat Stevens album is coming, which he says will transport listeners into the positive, imaginative world of hope and peace that defined his work in the early ‘70s.
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