BC-War-Cat Stevens,0291
Former pop star Cat Stevens records song to raise money for Iraqi children

LONDON -- The "Peace Train" rides again.
Former pop star Cat Stevens, a convert to Islam, has recorded his first song in 25 years to raise money for children affected by the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

Stevens, who now uses the name Yusuf Islam, re-recorded his 1971 hit song "Peace Train" at studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It is among tracks on "Hope," an album produced for the War Child charity that helps children in war torn countries. Other contributors include former Beatle Paul McCartney, David Bowie and George Michael.


"Peace Train is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions of human beings, and there is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again," Islam wrote in a statement posted Monday on his Web site.


"As a member of humanity and as a Muslim, this is my contribution to the call for a peaceful solution to the dangerous path some world leaders today seem to be taking."

Islam, who was born Stephen Georgiou, took Cat Stevens as a stage name and had a string of hits in the early 1970s. He abandoned his music career in 1977 and changed his name after being persuaded by orthodox Muslim teachers that his lifestyle was forbidden by Islamic law.

He later became a teacher and an advocate for his religion, founding a Muslim school in London in 1983.


"Hope" will be released April 21.
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On the Net:
Cat Stevens Web site: http://www.catstevens.com
(AP)
AP-CS-03-31-03 0711EST

Much love and respect 2 brutha Yosef Islam 4 his charity