My dear dear sweet sweet little girl, Alexia, you may have remembered "Morning Has Broken" if you had heard it in my voice. I don't remember playing it, but I do remember singing it to you. Way to make your mama cry. 😢 Glad Nick has that memory with Claudia, too. ❤️ Love you both!
BTW, the two Cat Stevens albums Tea for the Tillerman (1970) and Teaser and the Firecat (1971) are both truly amazing and essential classic albums! Right up there with the very best fok rock of the era - Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, CSNY, etc.
@@marcanglin7127 Honestly, I ALMOST added that one in, as it's his only other I think that's consistent all the way through, but I rate it a little below the other two. You're absolutely right, GREAT album, but most people won't even check out one or two albums, much less three.
I also like 'Moonshadow', 'Into White', 'Wild World', ' - there are so many. Interesting life story, he's now famously known for being Muslim, but if you listen to his early music you find he was always a 'seeker' - his music had a spiritual side to it, and he journeyed through Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. He stopped playing music for many years and then found the spark again. Some of his post-break work has been good too. He did a fantastic, slow, spiritual version of The Animals' 'Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' among other good songs. His artist name was Yusuf Islam for a while, but he got tired of interviewers calling him 'Mr.Islam', saying he is not the sole representative of that faith, so dropped his name to Yusuf. Now he's known as Yusuf/Cat Stevens - and he's still amazingly good today. All my best wishes for your Mom and her health
Morning Has Broken is a Christian hymn written in the 30's by English author Eleanor Farjeon and set to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune "Bunessan". That wonderful piano was arranged and played by none other than the great Rick Wakeman!! You should let yourselves listen to both whole albums- they are wonderful, as is Mona Bone Jakon! Songs from MBJ and TFTT are in the film Harold and Maude, which you should see if you haven't yet. It is delightful and has been a cult favorite in college towns all over the USA. His music is part of the soundtrack of my pre- and early teen years, and meant so much it's now part of my soul.❤️❤️
I saw Rick Wakeman on February 25th and he played this song, of course, telling the story of recording it with Yusef. He didn't get credit for his amazingly beautiful contributions until a re-release. Rick is such a kind and thoughtful person, taking time in both the meet & greet and the concert, to discuss this incredible song. So glad you enjoyed it. So many other wonderful Cat Stevens songs to make the world sing!
It's in our church hymnbook. When we sing it we get half the congregation singing very straight rhythms as written and half trying to sing it like Cat Steven's, lol
@@chadbennett7873 When I first heard this tune, it instantly occurred to me that it was Wakeman, as his voicings and embellishments are a signature of his, but, of course, he was not credited. It confounded me for years until I found out that it was Rick, about 1973. One of my all-time favorite piano pieces.
Sometime back in the late 70's Cat Stevens was playing in the California surf and a riptide took him out to sea. After struggling for several hours he made it back to shore and avoided drowning. He made a promise to himself that he would give his life to God if he ever made it back to dry land. Since his family religion is Muslim, he became a devote religious believer in Islam. All this happened in the 1980's, long before Osama Bin Laden or the Iraq occupation or the Gulf War. Cat Stevens/ Yousef Islam is still a hero of mine and no matter what religion he believes in, he's always been a man of peace. In many ways his music was the background of our lives. I can't think of his song, "Father and Son" without remembering my Dad warning me about the world and preparing my for life.. I love you two, you're so sweet. What a musical journey, thanks for taking us along...
You talk about a life changing experience, basically an epiphany in Cat Steven's/ Yousef's life, yet he was already perhaps the most spiritual and most peace-loving performer of his time. What I'm trying to say is it wasn't a long journey for him to become closer to God or Allah. He's a hero to us all, even those who don't realize it.
@@lewismaddox4132 I agree, Yousef was never one of those "out of control rock stars" who smashed their hotel rooms and had a string of stays in rehab... Truly a gentleman and a scholar, as well as a talented artist.
Sorry Scott that isn't true, even basic research would tell you Cat's family weren't Muslims. He was born Steve Georgiou, his father was Greek and his mother Swedish, as a child he went to a Roman Catholic school in London. After a near death swimming accident in 1975 he prayed to God to save him by promising to devote his life to him. It was Steve's brother, David, who had converted to Judaism, and later bought Cat a copy of the Qur'an as a gift from a trip to Jerusalem, that totally changed Cat's direction in life. Cat had been on a spiritual journey for most of his 1970's career, but up until that point, his beliefs had been more aligned with Greek Orthodox Catholicism.
"Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden sprung in completeness where His feet pass..." that's such a visual lyric to me. This is a Christian hymn that was written in the 30's and you can sure tell it by that line! I have always loved Cat and have loved his music. When my sister passed away from cancer, I had one of her favorite Cat sons, "Oh Very Young" played at her memorial service. Even though he's in his 70's now, his voice is still warm and full of feeling.
I've always loved Cat. A great storyteller and a fabulous acoustic player. He reminds me of being young and innocent growing up with my childhood friends.
Morning has broken (this version) was played once a week when I was in Junior School in England, in the 1970s (morning assembly) and since then it has become a favourite of mine, a beautiful song.
Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) is a fantastic singer/ songwriter. Great voice and the wonderful piano on Morning Has Broken was performed by the incomparable Mr Rick Wakeman (Yes) 😀
Fun story. Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusef Islam when he became Muslim in 1978 and stopped making music for many years. Everyone was like "Muslim? WTF?" (people had just seen that with Muhammed Ali years earlier) They didn't like it. I lived in the Bible Belt at the time. The kicker? My kids came home from Sunday school and had learned a new song. Morning Has Broken. :)
His music is featured heavily in the dark comedy Harold and Maude.. It is a sweet coming of age movie from the 70s that not a lot of people saw, but I LOVED it. I have not looked down in the comment section to see if anyone else mentioned this fact.. love the channel and watching you guys have fun!!
LOVED the reaction as Cat Stevens is a favorite of mine. Suggestion: The world could use a listen to "Peace Train" if you could fit one more Cat Stevens song in.
@@pauld669 I don't believe Rick got payed for the session until many years later, not sure if that's part of his story but I'll look that video up, thanks!
@@pauld669 That was a great clip, thanks for sharing! I love the part where Rick says that nobody could figure out what he had done when it came time to perform it live on TOTP.
Thank you so much for this reaction. The love and tenderness you have for each other is truly wonderful. You are not just cool people that love cool music, you're very inspiring. Cat Stevens - one of my favorites from the 70s. Keep up the good work!
I was a big Cat Stevens fan back then & for me, his best song was "Father & Son"...in which he sings in 'high' tones as the son & 'low' tones as the father.
I really needed “Father and Son” when I was a teenager and felt that my parents just didn’t get me and communication was really hard! I really related to this song and realizing I wasn’t alone! It really helped me to get through those confusing times!
Older Brother Of Carlos Santana,, Jorge Santana's Band (R.I.P.) Malo,, I Dedicate This Absolute Classic To The Most Beautiful Person I Have Ever Known,, Malo "Suavecito"...R.I.P. Mom..Love & Miss You🙏❤
@@NicknLex Thanks, Tell Nick that Joni gets me tearing up as well. I've run across a 16 yr old Irish busker that gets me like Joni did all those years ago. If you ever get the chance take a listen. Her name is Allie Sherlock. My gift to you.
Cat is a DEEP dive. Tea for the Tillerman & Teaser & The Firecat (His artwork on both covers) were his 4th & 5th albums. He wrote the songs “Here Comes My Baby” & “The First Cut is the Deepest” that were hit songs by The Tremeloes and Rod Stewart (and PP Arnold and Sheryl Crow before & after Rod) respectively. And wait until you get to Catch Bull at Four! Credit should go to his long time finger style acoustic guitarist Alun Davies, a splendid player and a major part of Cat’s sound.
Just starting the video, so I don't yet know if you mention it. That's Rick Wakeman, later of Yes fame, as a session musician pianist on Morning Has Broken. He composed that piano line on the spot at Yusuf's request.
If you listen to Catherine Howard off Rick's The six wives of Henry The Eight, you will recognize the chord progression at the Beginning of it. Written on the same theme.
……and not given credit on Teaser and The Fire Cat because Cat and Rick were both on A&M Records and they would not allow Rick to get paid on a non- contractual session. No credit no paycheck. Usually it would be the reverse where the label kept an artist from working for a competitive label.
Cat Stevens "Tell 'Em I'm Gone",, "If You Want To Sing Out,, Sing Out",, "Wild World",, "Into White",, "Sad Lisa",, "Father & Son",, "Moonshadow",, "Here Comes My Baby",, "Oh Very Young",, "On The Road To Find Out",, "Hard Headed Woman",, "Can't Keep It In",, "Miles From Nowhere",, "Longer Boats",, "Peace Train" & "Another Saturday Night"
Cat was a super star in his day and he always had a message for us and man kind . Yes, Peace Train would be appropriate right now for what's going on in Europe. Peace and love ,man always.
@@NicknLex You're welcome. You'll enjoy this video of Wakeman talking to the audience about recording the song. ua-cam.com/video/7TMMefVaWnY/v-deo.html
Back in the 60's in school we had morning assembly, were all the children and teachers would be together, the first hymnn would be Morning Has Broken. Later on after leaving school, along comes Cat Stevens and his music. I still have all his LP and now on cds.
You guys are so precious...thank you for sharing your kind souls with us.... ❤️ and the great music, too, of course. Music from my teen years...so meaningful.
1970's - Fairfield Halls, Croydon, London. Cat Stevens topping the bill. Support act? Jethro Tull! What a fabulous concert! Great musicians back in the day, we were so lucky and so blessed.
His personal story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. Great choices. You could do much worse than tearing up to a Cat Stevens Yusuf Islam song. Cheers Nick & lex
'Where do the Children Play' is such a powerful and emotive song from the master story-teller Cat Stevens, little wonder emotions were stirred in both of you. Thank you so much guys..
I love his music. Him in front and the intricate musicality of the other musicians, there's nothing better. I first heard Morning Has Broken by him. I was surprised when I found it in our songbooks at church.
Forgive me for so many messages. Here is Wakeman telling the story of how he hooked up with Cat Stevens on that album & song. (And the song "Catherine Howard" he talks of is part of my favorite of his solo albums, "Six Wives of Henry VIII"....all keyboard based instrumentals. Almost 'modern classical' with synthesizers. :-)) ua-cam.com/video/Z47JkTlRlEQ/v-deo.html
I hope you 2 will do the entire "Tea for the Tillerman" album, it's a classic from start to finish. The 2nd song isn't just about paving over nature either, Cat sings, "Will you tell us when to live, will you tell us when to die?" like in the movie "Logan's Run" where at the age of 30 people are terminated. We have insurance companies for death panels. He sang about petrol gas, the fossil fuel industry that we're still addicted to. I grew up in the same time period, people were worried as far back as the early '70s about the environment, population explosion, saving the whales, the seals, rhinos, elephants, tigers, etc.
Love Cat Stevens! I had not heard the second song but it was so good! I love you simplicity of the music and he is just a amazing storyteller! Much respect! Nick thanks for this! Really enjoyed it! Glad you both had a cool moment together sharing music! Love that about you guys! Its all about sharing a love of music and the memories that are so often tied to a song! Love you both! Thanks again for sharing it with all of us! 😀
If you ever go to see Rick Wakeman play in concert, he always tells an anecdote of how he, as a young naive musician, got conned into playing 'Morning has Broken' without ever getting paid for doing it!!!
Love these songs! You guys are the first reactors I´ve seen use a limited amount of videos with your reactions, but hey, I´m captivated just watching your ¨reactions¨ as the music plays. Good job, new subscriber here from So. California.
My favorite album of his is Catch Bull at Four; "Angelsea" is my favorite song. When I try to narrow the album down to highlights I'm left with seven songs out of ten. XD
I have liked Cat Stevens since his early days. Great emotional reaction as well ! Listening to Cat playing his acoustic guitar reminded me of an Australian guitarist called, Tommy Emmanuel. Many people rate him as possibly the best acoustic guitarist in the world. If you watch a video of him on youtube playing 'Classical Gas' you will see why.
I saw Cat at Bolton Odeon UK in 67 on a package tour with The Walker Brothers and Jimi Hendrix, singing I'm gonna get me gun. By 72 I saw him at Theatre Royal Drury Lane London with the Del Newman Orchestra. By then he was a superstar. His parents had a Greek restaurant in Shaftesbury Ave London. His drummer was Gerry Conway, who also played in Fotheringay and Fairport Convention.
Love Cat Stevens, thank you so much for this reaction. Actually, the pianist he is the guy we all love and know - 'Yes' keyboardist Rick Wakeman, this was when he was heavily employed as a session musician so many artists were after him at the time including David Bowie😊❤
Hi kids, The Cat Stevens concert I went to in Detroit City I can't tell you what year because I tend to remember time more by albums then years. He was at his peak, I think just before Foreigner Suite came out.I have to tell you going to see concerts in the city were known for people going nuts and screaming every encore you could squeeze out of a group but his concert was very different. It was almost like a religious experience. People knew every word and were singing along with him just quietly.A totally great evening but so delicate and enjoyable.I also remember it because there were people dressed as mimes handing out literature for a group called Supertramp which none of us knew about but luckily was also signed with A&M at the time and soon released Crime of the Century. Cat Stevens was touched by the music gods and no matter what I did my Ovation acoustic never sounded as good as his. Love you guys, still my musical friends!!!
I have several of his records but had the cd of his third, Mona Bone Jakon, which I like a lot. On it there is a song called Katmandu which has a guest (big star) playing the flute. Name that flutist.
Driving cross country summer 1976 from Connecticut to Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Montana. etc..with Aunt Uncle 76 Dodge van,and got introduced at age 11 to Cat Stevens,America,Wings,Chicago,Steely Dan,Doobie Bros Paul Simon,Carly Simon....Thanks Uncle Jack Aunt Sharon!!
Nick & Lex not only do you contribute to my joy, but also to my intellect. Someone in the comments below stated that Rick Wakeman contributed keyboard on Morning has Broken. IT HIT ME! I had heard that piano tone before. So, I went back in my own catalog of music and sure enough, the piano tone is used in Catherine Howard, one of the songs on Wakeman's The Six Wives of Henry VIII. I would listen to Morning Has Broken on the radio as a kid. Found Wakeman's music in my deep-dive of Yes music. Never put the two together until tonight. If you ever doubt whether you reach your audience....please know that you do. Give the Catherine Howard piece by Wakeman a listen, please. Your indebted Steely Dan fan, Ken
"peace train," "bitter blue" and "if you wanna sing out" are three more really great cat stevens songs. "teaser and the fire cat" is his best album. but his soundtrack to "harold and maude" is great too. by the way, how did you steal my record collection? is that the original door's "l. a. woman" album with the plastic, transparent cover? are those the original "court of the crimson king" and "trilogy" albums with the gatefold album covers? i think i used to hang out with you guys in my parent's basement in 1975. listenin' to smooth, freaky, spaced-out tunes. oh wait. that was 30 other people. never mind.
@@michelemichele3375 ... aha! it was you! i knew it all along. my mom's been missing her favorite spatula for 45 years now. was that you? i bet it was Seymour Dooglestein. he always had a thing for spatulas. that little scamp!
Here's to the cutest couple on UA-cam. I love how you two occasionally share music with each other like this. That's the kind of channel that I'd love to do one day.
I wrote my earlier comment before I'd listened, and now I see how you're reacting to "Where Do the Children Play" exactly in the way that good people should be these days. It's a hard time, and it might get worse. But the question Cat Stevens/Yusuf asks is exactly the right one. I hope everyone in both of your families is OK, and that they will be safe.
Love you two, this is perfect. PS were you able to send warmer weather this way? LOL Where Do The Children Play is an environmental song (1970)! as we move on and build more and pave more where do the children play?
This was our class song when I graduated in ‘73. We really didn’t want it, although it was/is a classic. The song that we wanted to have as our class song was the Roy Rogers theme song “Happy Trails”. We got out voted by our Sr. class teachers. Good times.
Another great artist that I grew up with. That voice has always gone to the heart straight away. Got to see him in 1976 in Memphis TN........... he was absolutely phenominal, so much positive energy. I beleive his best record is Tea For The Tillerman, with Catch Bull At Four a close second. Must listens recommendations: 18th Avenue, The Boy With The Moon and Stars, Wild World, and Peace Train. Absolutely FANTASTIC reaction, I loved it. TY
Loved this reaction…beautiful. My favorite Cat Stevens song is I THINK I SEE THE LIGHT but I never see it mentioned anywhere so am beginning to think I’m the only one🥲. He reworked it and performed it when he returned to performing, and that was great too❤️
Compliments for the reaction! I suggest you three funky songs I'm sure you'd like a lot: "A legend in his own mind" and "It's your world" by the late Gil Scott Heron, and "We got to have peace" (the live version) by the great Curtis Mayfield. A big hug from Italy!
The piano on Morning has Broken is by Rick Wakeman. "One take Wakeman" as he was called when he was a session musician. He also played piano on Bowie's Life on Mars.
Cat Stevens made Eleanor Farjeon's poem a school and mainstream favourite. Underpinned by Rick Wakeman's piano (Rick had departed the group Strawbs and was now a leading member of Yes) the whole interpretation is beautifully played. 'Where do the Children Play', written in 1970, is to me one of the earliest protest songs about the environment and progress where Governments do not think about the future......and guess where we are now? For me, 'Mona Bone Jakon', 'Tea for the Tillerman', 'Teaser and the Firecat' & 'Catch Bull at Four', from 1970 to 1972, are some of the most sublime recordings of that period. The songcraft is superb and doesn't get old, especially in the lyrics but perhaps moreso in the superb acoustic guitars of the Cat and Alun Davies. I consider, though, that 'Tea for the Tillerman' has it all in the choice of songs and arrangements and I continue to play it to this day. Thank you for playing Nick & Lex.
There is no need to apologize for getting emotional - we are here to see you react, after all. I got Tea for the Tillerman when it came, out for my 12th birthday. My cousin picked it out for me. She was born a month before me but was always way older than me. I didn't get the music at all at the time but over the next 52 years I keep going back to it and finding new meanings and the emotions that go with them. On the 50th anniversary of Tea, Yuseph Steven's released a new versions with new interpretative. I gave a copy to my cousin.
Hi guys - Love Cat Stevens. The first vinyl single I bought by him in 1970 and is still today my all time favourite track is - "Lady D'Arbanville" The B side of this single is my 2nd favourite track - called - "Time/Fill My Eyes"...How's that for a stroke of luck with both on one record ? - The B side is in 2 parts but it's still just the basic length of a single at approx 4 minutes. More than any other songs over the decades I have played those two . He has wonderful albums - but it will always be these 2 songs I simply adore. In 1970 I was only 14 and bought the single with my pocket money. - Both tracks are on the album " Mona Bona Jakon" - Time & Fill my eyes are listed as separate tracks - but it's one track ! - Great reaction to these 2 wonderful songs and Cat does have that effect touching the memories in your heart. Thankyou for playing and Nick I wish your mum well. X Jim
My dear dear sweet sweet little girl, Alexia, you may have remembered "Morning Has Broken" if you had heard it in my voice. I don't remember playing it, but I do remember singing it to you. Way to make your mama cry. 😢 Glad Nick has that memory with Claudia, too. ❤️ Love you both!
BTW, the two Cat Stevens albums Tea for the Tillerman (1970) and Teaser and the Firecat (1971) are both truly amazing and essential classic albums! Right up there with the very best fok rock of the era - Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, CSNY, etc.
'Catch Bull at Four' is a must, as well, IMHO.
@@marcanglin7127 Honestly, I ALMOST added that one in, as it's his only other I think that's consistent all the way through, but I rate it a little below the other two. You're absolutely right, GREAT album, but most people won't even check out one or two albums, much less three.
@@kevinlakeman5043 um, thanks for sharing?
I also like 'Moonshadow', 'Into White', 'Wild World', ' - there are so many. Interesting life story, he's now famously known for being Muslim, but if you listen to his early music
you find he was always a 'seeker' - his music had a spiritual side to
it, and he journeyed through Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. He
stopped playing music for many years and then found the spark again.
Some of his post-break work has been good too. He did a fantastic, slow,
spiritual version of The Animals' 'Please Don't Let Me Be
Misunderstood' among other good songs. His artist name was Yusuf Islam
for a while, but he got tired of interviewers calling him 'Mr.Islam',
saying he is not the sole representative of that faith, so dropped his
name to Yusuf. Now he's known as Yusuf/Cat Stevens - and he's still
amazingly good today. All my best wishes for your Mom and her health
Morning Has Broken is a Christian hymn written in the 30's by English author Eleanor Farjeon and set to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune "Bunessan". That wonderful piano was arranged and played by none other than the great Rick Wakeman!!
You should let yourselves listen to both whole albums- they are wonderful, as is Mona Bone Jakon! Songs from MBJ and TFTT are in the film Harold and Maude, which you should see if you haven't yet. It is delightful and has been a cult favorite in college towns all over the USA. His music is part of the soundtrack of my pre- and early teen years, and meant so much it's now part of my soul.❤️❤️
I saw Rick Wakeman on February 25th and he played this song, of course, telling the story of recording it with Yusef. He didn't get credit for his amazingly beautiful contributions until a re-release. Rick is such a kind and thoughtful person, taking time in both the meet & greet and the concert, to discuss this incredible song. So glad you enjoyed it. So many other wonderful Cat Stevens songs to make the world sing!
It's in our church hymnbook. When we sing it we get half the congregation singing very straight rhythms as written and half trying to sing it like Cat Steven's, lol
@@chadbennett7873 When I first heard this tune, it instantly occurred to me that it was Wakeman, as his voicings and embellishments are a signature of his, but, of course, he was not credited. It confounded me for years until I found out that it was Rick, about 1973. One of my all-time favorite piano pieces.
Thanks for the wonderful background story behind this beautiful piece
Piano played by Rick Wakeman ,Cats arrangement of traditional hymn .
You two are such an adorable couple. It warms my heart to see the love you exude for each other.
Thank you so much!!
Sometime back in the late 70's Cat Stevens was playing in the California surf and a riptide took him out to sea. After struggling for several hours he made it back to shore and avoided drowning. He made a promise to himself that he would give his life to God if he ever made it back to dry land.
Since his family religion is Muslim, he became a devote religious believer in Islam.
All this happened in the 1980's, long before Osama Bin Laden or the Iraq occupation or the Gulf War.
Cat Stevens/ Yousef Islam is still a hero of mine and no matter what religion he believes in, he's always been a man of peace.
In many ways his music was the background of our lives. I can't think of his song, "Father and Son" without remembering my Dad warning me about the world and preparing my for life..
I love you two, you're so sweet. What a musical journey, thanks for taking us along...
You talk about a life changing experience, basically an epiphany in Cat Steven's/ Yousef's life, yet he was already perhaps the most spiritual and most peace-loving performer of his time. What I'm trying to say is it wasn't a long journey for him to become closer to God or Allah. He's a hero to us all, even those who don't realize it.
@@lewismaddox4132 I agree, Yousef was never one of those "out of control rock stars" who smashed their hotel rooms and had a string of stays in rehab... Truly a gentleman and a scholar, as well as a talented artist.
His family religion was Greek Orthodox. His brother, who was a convert to Judaism, bought him a Qur'an as a birthday gift from a trip to Jerusalem.
Sorry Scott that isn't true, even basic research would tell you Cat's family weren't Muslims. He was born Steve Georgiou, his father was Greek and his mother Swedish, as a child he went to a Roman Catholic school in London.
After a near death swimming accident in 1975 he prayed to God to save him by promising to devote his life to him. It was Steve's brother, David, who had converted to Judaism, and later bought Cat a copy of the Qur'an as a gift from a trip to Jerusalem, that totally changed Cat's direction in life. Cat had been on a spiritual journey for most of his 1970's career, but up until that point, his beliefs had been more aligned with Greek Orthodox Catholicism.
@@MrDiddyDee Sorry I got that wrong, I thought his family was Muslim...
Morning is broken is a hymn. It is one that we used to sing it at school in the UK in the mornings before the start of class
"Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden sprung in completeness where His feet pass..." that's such a visual lyric to me. This is a Christian hymn that was written in the 30's and you can sure tell it by that line! I have always loved Cat and have loved his music. When my sister passed away from cancer, I had one of her favorite Cat sons, "Oh Very Young" played at her memorial service. Even though he's in his 70's now, his voice is still warm and full of feeling.
I've always loved Cat. A great storyteller and a fabulous acoustic player. He reminds me of being young and innocent growing up with my childhood friends.
Morning has broken (this version) was played once a week when I was in Junior School in England, in the 1970s (morning assembly) and since then it has become a favourite of mine, a beautiful song.
Same!
I could listen to his music all day. The recordings are so full and clear and his voice fills the spectrum unlike any other. Thanks
Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) is a fantastic singer/ songwriter. Great voice and the wonderful piano on Morning Has Broken was performed by the incomparable Mr Rick Wakeman (Yes) 😀
Fun story.
Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusef Islam when he became Muslim in 1978 and stopped making music for many years. Everyone was like "Muslim? WTF?" (people had just seen that with Muhammed Ali years earlier)
They didn't like it. I lived in the Bible Belt at the time.
The kicker?
My kids came home from Sunday school and had learned a new song.
Morning Has Broken. :)
His music is featured heavily in the dark comedy Harold and Maude.. It is a sweet coming of age movie from the 70s that not a lot of people saw, but I LOVED it. I have not looked down in the comment section to see if anyone else mentioned this fact.. love the channel and watching you guys have fun!!
Harold and Maude 👍🏽
"Trouble" is my favorite Cat Stevens song.
@@j.kevvideoproductions.6463 Ditto
Harold & Maude such a great film. ❤
Fantastic movie!
LOVED the reaction as Cat Stevens is a favorite of mine. Suggestion: The world could use a listen to "Peace Train" if you could fit one more Cat Stevens song in.
Yes, we all should climb aboard the Peace Train. Awesome song.
And when the world has finished listening go straight on to The Boy With The Moon & Star On His Head.
Father and son, my fav
"Morning Has Broken" is great... has Rick Wakeman of Yes on the keys! Great reaction!
He (Rick) plays that on his current tour. He tells the story behind the music which is quite funny. You may be able to find it on UA-cam
@@pauld669 I don't believe Rick got payed for the session until many years later, not sure if that's part of his story but I'll look that video up, thanks!
@@RushTrader yes it is. As well as when he played the intro it was only 30 seconds. Then he said how about this ? Ok up to 1:15 and so on ….
@@RushTrader ua-cam.com/video/R7ZwQfK0jQw/v-deo.html
@@pauld669 That was a great clip, thanks for sharing! I love the part where Rick says that nobody could figure out what he had done when it came time to perform it live on TOTP.
Where Do The Children Play makes me cry every time. So good.
Thank you so much for this reaction. The love and tenderness you have for each other is truly wonderful. You are not just cool people that love cool music, you're very inspiring. Cat Stevens - one of my favorites from the 70s. Keep up the good work!
I was a big Cat Stevens fan back then & for me, his best song was "Father & Son"...in which he sings in 'high' tones as the son & 'low' tones as the father.
Totally agree
I really needed “Father and Son” when I was a teenager and felt that my parents just didn’t get me and communication was really hard! I really related to this song and realizing I wasn’t alone! It really helped me to get through those confusing times!
100% Father and sons
Older Brother Of Carlos Santana,, Jorge Santana's Band (R.I.P.) Malo,, I Dedicate This Absolute Classic To The Most Beautiful Person I Have Ever Known,, Malo "Suavecito"...R.I.P. Mom..Love & Miss You🙏❤
Such a great song. I love Cat Stevens, and have since his first album came out. Cat Stevens converted to Islam and took the name Yusuf.
This was good timing for me with Lent just starting. We always sang this in Church every Easter morning…
A world peopled by Nick, Lex and Yusuf types would surely be a placed blessed by peace, love and tolerance.
Wow… what a sweet thing to say! 😭 ❤️ - Lex
@@NicknLex Thanks, Tell Nick that Joni gets me tearing up as well. I've run across a 16 yr old Irish busker that gets me like Joni
did all those years ago. If you ever get the chance take a listen. Her name is Allie Sherlock. My gift to you.
Cat is a DEEP dive. Tea for the Tillerman & Teaser & The Firecat (His artwork on both covers) were his 4th & 5th albums.
He wrote the songs “Here Comes My Baby” & “The First Cut is the Deepest” that were hit songs by The Tremeloes and Rod Stewart (and PP Arnold and Sheryl Crow before & after Rod) respectively.
And wait until you get to Catch Bull at Four!
Credit should go to his long time finger style acoustic guitarist Alun Davies, a splendid player and a major part of Cat’s sound.
Just starting the video, so I don't yet know if you mention it. That's Rick Wakeman, later of Yes fame, as a session musician pianist on Morning Has Broken. He composed that piano line on the spot at Yusuf's request.
If you listen to Catherine Howard off Rick's The six wives of Henry The Eight, you will recognize the chord progression at the Beginning of it. Written on the same theme.
……and not given credit on Teaser and The Fire Cat because Cat and Rick were both on A&M Records and they would not allow Rick to get paid on a non- contractual session. No credit no paycheck. Usually it would be the reverse where the label kept an artist from working for a competitive label.
Once you know, it's like, "Oh! Of course it is!"
Illume...wow! I never knew!!!
Cat Stevens "Tell 'Em I'm Gone",, "If You Want To Sing Out,, Sing Out",, "Wild World",, "Into White",, "Sad Lisa",, "Father & Son",, "Moonshadow",, "Here Comes My Baby",, "Oh Very Young",, "On The Road To Find Out",, "Hard Headed Woman",, "Can't Keep It In",, "Miles From Nowhere",, "Longer Boats",, "Peace Train" & "Another Saturday Night"
Cat was a super star in his day and he always had a message for us and man kind . Yes, Peace Train would be appropriate right now for what's going on in Europe. Peace and love ,man always.
Absolutely love Cat Stevens and Where Do The Children Play? Another song of his that is really excellent is Trouble 👍🏽
*THE YES CONNECTION? YES.*
Cat Stevens is singing, but the piano refrain was written - and performed on the recording - by the legendary Rick Wakeman.
WOW thanks for the info!
@@NicknLex You're welcome. You'll enjoy this video of Wakeman talking to the audience about recording the song.
ua-cam.com/video/7TMMefVaWnY/v-deo.html
Back in the 60's in school we had morning assembly, were all the children and teachers would be together, the first hymnn would be Morning Has Broken. Later on after leaving school, along comes Cat Stevens and his music. I still have all his LP and now on cds.
You guys are so precious...thank you for sharing your kind souls with us.... ❤️ and the great music, too, of course. Music from my teen years...so meaningful.
Saw Cat Stevens twice in the 70's and both times were fantastic. He really connected with the audience.
Absolutely love the 😺🎶... This came out when I was about 13 or 14 years old... Good memories.
One of the most beautiful songs.
1970's - Fairfield Halls, Croydon, London. Cat Stevens topping the bill. Support act? Jethro Tull! What a fabulous concert! Great musicians back in the day, we were so lucky and so blessed.
Amazing! Love both
His personal story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. Great choices. You could do much worse than tearing up to a Cat Stevens Yusuf Islam song. Cheers Nick & lex
'Where do the Children Play' is such a powerful and emotive song from the master story-teller Cat Stevens, little wonder emotions were stirred in both of you. Thank you so much guys..
I'm 73 and this man has always touched my heart.
Saw him first at a Bleeker Street, Greenwich Village café. . . '76 or so ~
. PeAcE 🎸☮
I love his music. Him in front and the intricate musicality of the other musicians, there's nothing better. I first heard Morning Has Broken by him. I was surprised when I found it in our songbooks at church.
I immediately memorized this whole album when it came out
Forgive me for so many messages. Here is Wakeman telling the story of how he hooked up with Cat Stevens on that album & song. (And the song "Catherine Howard" he talks of is part of my favorite of his solo albums, "Six Wives of Henry VIII"....all keyboard based instrumentals. Almost 'modern classical' with synthesizers. :-)) ua-cam.com/video/Z47JkTlRlEQ/v-deo.html
Thanks Eric! That was a hoot!
That was excellent, thank you!
I hope you 2 will do the entire "Tea for the Tillerman" album, it's a classic from start to finish. The 2nd song isn't just about paving over nature either, Cat sings, "Will you tell us when to live, will you tell us when to die?" like in the movie "Logan's Run" where at the age of 30 people are terminated. We have insurance companies for death panels. He sang about petrol gas, the fossil fuel industry that we're still addicted to. I grew up in the same time period, people were worried as far back as the early '70s about the environment, population explosion, saving the whales, the seals, rhinos, elephants, tigers, etc.
A Truly Legendary Music Icon.
Love Cat Stevens! I had not heard the second song but it was so good! I love you simplicity of the music and he is just a amazing storyteller! Much respect! Nick thanks for this! Really enjoyed it! Glad you both had a cool moment together sharing music! Love that about you guys! Its all about sharing a love of music and the memories that are so often tied to a song! Love you both! Thanks again for sharing it with all of us! 😀
If you ever go to see Rick Wakeman play in concert, he always tells an anecdote of how he, as a young naive musician, got conned into playing 'Morning has Broken' without ever getting paid for doing it!!!
My cousin sang Morning Has Broken at my sister's wedding in 1974. Just an acoustic guitar and a sweet voice. The whole church was crying.
The guy playing piano on Morning has Broken is none other than Rick Wakeman of Yes!
Nick is so sweet to Lex .....
Thank you for bringing back great memories.Cat Stevens & especially the album "Teaser and the Firecat" inspired me to learn to play guitar.
The first song Rick Wakeman recorded with Yes is called 'America', a Simon & Garfunkel cover. It's a Masterpiece.
Love this song! Cat Stevens was a great artist!
I still have this album on vinyl somewhere from the 70's.
Love these songs! You guys are the first reactors I´ve seen use a limited amount of videos with your reactions, but hey, I´m captivated just watching your ¨reactions¨ as the music plays. Good job, new subscriber here from So. California.
One of my all time fav’s very cool watching young people discovering this music- more relevant today than when Cat wrote it
I'm so glad I grew up in a time when beautiful songs like this made up half of the top 40!
this is so sweet and touching to see you sharing little bits of your childhood through song. thank you nick!
Now you're talking some great music! My alternative lyrics for Morning Has Broken:
Morning has broken
somebody fix it.
My favorite album of his is Catch Bull at Four; "Angelsea" is my favorite song. When I try to narrow the album down to highlights I'm left with seven songs out of ten. XD
It is my favorite also.
I was photographing a Catholic wedding and saw this song in the hymnal! Should have known but did not know it was a spiritual song at the time.
If you want a bit more "complex" Cat music, try his Foreigner Suite (18 minutes) or songs like 18th Avenue, Music, or King of Trees.
I have liked Cat Stevens since his early days. Great emotional reaction as well ! Listening to Cat playing his acoustic guitar reminded me of an Australian guitarist called, Tommy Emmanuel. Many people rate him as possibly the best acoustic guitarist in the world. If you watch a video of him on youtube playing 'Classical Gas' you will see why.
I saw Cat at Bolton Odeon UK in 67 on a package tour with The Walker Brothers and Jimi Hendrix, singing I'm gonna get me gun. By 72 I saw him at Theatre Royal Drury Lane London with the Del Newman Orchestra. By then he was a superstar. His parents had a Greek restaurant in Shaftesbury Ave London. His drummer was Gerry Conway, who also played in Fotheringay and Fairport Convention.
Love Cat Stevens, thank you so much for this reaction. Actually, the pianist he is the guy we all love and know - 'Yes' keyboardist Rick Wakeman, this was when he was heavily employed as a session musician so many artists were after him at the time including David Bowie😊❤
"How Can I Tell You" is a beautiful love song of his. Short and beautiful.
Sad Lisa and Miles from Nowhere are two other great songs from Tea for the Tillerman.
Two albums that hold a special place on my heart. Tea for the Tillerman and Teaser and the Firecat.
I love this song. I have all of Cat Stevens songs.
Mona bone Jakon is a great album, katmandu (from it) features Peter Gabriel on flute
Trouble 👍🏽
He also had a really nice song called Remember The Days In The Old School Yard. It's upbeat, and it will take your mind back to you school days.
A great one along with Child For a Day
Cat Stevens has quite a few songs that will tug at your heartstrings. Father and Son being another one.
Man, watching you two listening to _"Where do the Children Play"_ was awesome. Talk about lost in the music together. Beautiful.
Thank you for sharing that with us!! 🥰
Hi kids, The Cat Stevens concert I went to in Detroit City I can't tell you what year because I tend to remember time more by albums then years. He was at his peak, I think just before Foreigner Suite came out.I have to tell you going to see concerts in the city were known for people going nuts and screaming every encore you could squeeze out of a group but his concert was very different. It was almost like a religious experience. People knew every word and were singing along with him just quietly.A totally great evening but so delicate and enjoyable.I also remember it because there were people dressed as mimes handing out literature for a group called Supertramp which none of us knew about but luckily was also signed with A&M at the time and soon released Crime of the Century. Cat Stevens was touched by the music gods and no matter what I did my Ovation acoustic never sounded as good as his. Love you guys, still my musical friends!!!
I have several of his records but had the cd of his third, Mona Bone Jakon, which I like a lot. On it there is a song called Katmandu which has a guest (big star) playing the flute. Name that flutist.
peter gabriel
@@shyshift you are correct, sir. You win!
@@DexterD63 what? Lol
Driving cross country summer 1976 from Connecticut to Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Montana. etc..with Aunt Uncle 76 Dodge van,and got introduced at age 11 to Cat Stevens,America,Wings,Chicago,Steely Dan,Doobie Bros Paul Simon,Carly Simon....Thanks Uncle Jack Aunt Sharon!!
"Foreigner Suite" is an amazing prog track by Cat Stevens. It is worth listening to. Different to his short songs, which I absolutely adore.
Tune! Love that song!
Nick & Lex not only do you contribute to my joy, but also to my intellect. Someone in the comments below stated that Rick Wakeman contributed keyboard on Morning has Broken.
IT HIT ME! I had heard that piano tone before. So, I went back in my own catalog of music and sure enough, the piano tone is used in Catherine Howard, one of the songs on Wakeman's The Six Wives of Henry VIII.
I would listen to Morning Has Broken on the radio as a kid. Found Wakeman's music in my deep-dive of Yes music. Never put the two together until tonight.
If you ever doubt whether you reach your audience....please know that you do. Give the Catherine Howard piece by Wakeman a listen, please.
Your indebted Steely Dan fan,
Ken
Ken, you are so sweet! I was also shocked to read that it was Wakeman. What a cool surprise! :) Thank you for everything with love, Lex
"peace train," "bitter blue" and "if you wanna sing out" are three more really great cat stevens songs. "teaser and the fire cat" is his best album. but his soundtrack to "harold and maude" is great too.
by the way, how did you steal my record collection? is that the original door's "l. a. woman" album with the plastic, transparent cover? are those the original "court of the crimson king" and "trilogy" albums with the gatefold album covers? i think i used to hang out with you guys in my parent's basement in 1975. listenin' to smooth, freaky, spaced-out tunes. oh wait. that was 30 other people. never mind.
Loved this comment. 💗
And yes, we were there in your basement. ✨🤪
@@michelemichele3375 ... aha! it was you! i knew it all along. my mom's been missing her favorite spatula for 45 years now. was that you? i bet it was Seymour Dooglestein. he always had a thing for spatulas. that little scamp!
Here's to the cutest couple on UA-cam. I love how you two occasionally share music with each other like this. That's the kind of channel that I'd love to do one day.
I wrote my earlier comment before I'd listened, and now I see how you're reacting to "Where Do the Children Play" exactly in the way that good people should be these days. It's a hard time, and it might get worse. But the question Cat Stevens/Yusuf asks is exactly the right one. I hope everyone in both of your families is OK, and that they will be safe.
Love you two, this is perfect. PS were you able to send warmer weather this way? LOL Where Do The Children Play is an environmental song (1970)! as we move on and build more and pave more where do the children play?
Loved these albums when I was a kid (my sister's records). Recommend Ruins from his album Catch Bull at Four (this song is also very current affairs).
Since we're in the 70s how about Harry Nilsson -Gotta Get Up
This was our class song when I graduated in ‘73. We really didn’t want it, although it was/is a classic. The song that we wanted to have as our class song was the Roy Rogers theme song “Happy Trails”. We got out voted by our Sr. class teachers. Good times.
Please listen to "If I Laugh" from 1971's "Teaser and the Firecat".
Another great artist that I grew up with. That voice has always gone to the heart straight away. Got to see him in 1976 in Memphis TN........... he was absolutely phenominal, so much positive energy. I beleive his best record is Tea For The Tillerman, with Catch Bull At Four a close second. Must listens recommendations: 18th Avenue, The Boy With The Moon and Stars, Wild World, and Peace Train. Absolutely FANTASTIC reaction, I loved it. TY
Loved this reaction…beautiful.
My favorite Cat Stevens song is I THINK I SEE THE LIGHT but I never see it mentioned anywhere so am beginning to think I’m the only one🥲. He reworked it and performed it when he returned to performing, and that was great too❤️
I love that song! All the music of his in Harold and Maude is fantastic.
@@falcongal63 Yes!
Piano arranged and played by Rick Wakeman leans heavily on his Six Wives of Henry VIII which you should also check out sometime.
Cat Stevens found the song Morning Has Broken in a hymn book. The world is so glad he did.
Compliments for the reaction!
I suggest you three funky songs I'm sure you'd like a lot: "A legend in his own mind" and "It's your world" by the late Gil Scott Heron, and "We got to have peace" (the live version) by the great Curtis Mayfield.
A big hug from Italy!
The piano on Morning has Broken is by Rick Wakeman. "One take Wakeman" as he was called when he was a session musician. He also played piano on Bowie's Life on Mars.
Ustedes me sacan una sonrisa y/o emocionan. Ahora si saludos!.
Cat Stevens made Eleanor Farjeon's poem a school and mainstream favourite. Underpinned by Rick Wakeman's piano (Rick had departed the group Strawbs and was now a leading member of Yes) the whole interpretation is beautifully played. 'Where do the Children Play', written in 1970, is to me one of the earliest protest songs about the environment and progress where Governments do not think about the future......and guess where we are now? For me, 'Mona Bone Jakon', 'Tea for the Tillerman', 'Teaser and the Firecat' & 'Catch Bull at Four', from 1970 to 1972, are some of the most sublime recordings of that period. The songcraft is superb and doesn't get old, especially in the lyrics but perhaps moreso in the superb acoustic guitars of the Cat and Alun Davies. I consider, though, that 'Tea for the Tillerman' has it all in the choice of songs and
arrangements and I continue to play it to this day. Thank you for playing Nick & Lex.
Sad Lisa
Fresh from the Word- Of God is what is meant.
Piano work written and played by Rick Wakeman (Yes) as a session player. Saw Cat Stevens in’71 in Norfolk, VA, and he was wonderful
I’ve been a Ben fan since high school and my husband played/sang this to me at our wedding. Your reactions, and love, were so beautiful 💕
How sweet; thank you for sharing! :)
Cat Stevens was the hottest star on the planet in the 71's.....he is a great singer.songwriter !!!!! 👌
Love your emotional reactions. Cat Stevens brings those out in a lot of people.
There is no need to apologize for getting emotional - we are here to see you react, after all.
I got Tea for the Tillerman when it came, out for my 12th birthday. My cousin picked it out for me. She was born a month before me but was always way older than me. I didn't get the music at all at the time but over the next 52 years I keep going back to it and finding new meanings and the emotions that go with them.
On the 50th anniversary of Tea, Yuseph Steven's released a new versions with new interpretative. I gave a copy to my cousin.
Hi guys - Love Cat Stevens. The first vinyl single I bought by him in 1970 and is still today my all time favourite track is - "Lady D'Arbanville" The B side of this single is my 2nd favourite track - called - "Time/Fill My Eyes"...How's that for a stroke of luck with both on one record ? - The B side is in 2 parts but it's still just the basic length of a single at approx 4 minutes. More than any other songs over the decades I have played those two . He has wonderful albums - but it will always be these 2 songs I simply adore. In 1970 I was only 14 and bought the single with my pocket money. - Both tracks are on the album " Mona Bona Jakon" - Time & Fill my eyes are listed as separate tracks - but it's one track ! - Great reaction to these 2 wonderful songs and Cat does have that effect touching the memories in your heart. Thankyou for playing and Nick I wish your mum well. X Jim
Hi Jim, Lady D'Arbanville was also my very first Cat Stevens song ... it took me a little longer to like it