The artist formerly known as Cat Stevens will release his first pop album in 28 years this fall.
Stevens, who changed his name to Yusuf Islam after converting to Islam in the late 1970s, has signed with Atlantic Records in conjunction with his Ya Records label, it was announced Thursday.
“I feel right about making music and singing about life in this fragile world again,” the 58-year-old singer-songwriter said in a statement. “It is important for me to be able to help bridge the cultural gaps others are sometimes frightened to cross.”
The album, “An Other Cup,” is set for release in November. His last studio album was 1978’s “Back to Earth.”
The London-born singer had a string of pop hits in the 1960s and ’70s including “Here Comes My Baby,” “Wild World,” “Peace Train” and Moonshadow.” After converting to Islam, he changed his name and left the music world.
His charity, Small Kindness, provides aid to orphans and families in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, among other regions.