A "WILD WORLD" FOR UMPG

Yoriyos Adamos and UMPG UK MD Mike McCormack flank Yusuf/Cat Stevens.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens has signed to an exclusive, global administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group, uniting his publishing with his recordings in the UMG family.

UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson and UMPG UK Managing Director Mike McCormack are big fans.

“For me personally,” Gerson said, “Tea for the Tillerman and Teaser and the Firecat stand the test of time. Songs from both albums do what great music is supposed to do—they make us feel deeply. It’s a privilege to be able to work with Yusuf and Yoriyos [Adamos] and the entire UMPG global team to introduce these incredible songs to new generations.”

Stevens’ catalog includes “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” “The Wind,” “Moonshadow” and “Morning Has Broken.” His return to recording and performing in recent years included a triumphant 2023 Glastonbury performance in front of 100k people.

“Jody and I have been fans of his music and songwriting for decades and have been working for many years to bring Yusuf’s catalog to UMPG UK,” McCormack said. “In January this year, that dream finally came true.”

Yusuf’s son and manager Yoriyos Adamos the publishing and recordings are under one roof since Chris Blackwell’s Island Records years in the early 1970s. “I was really excited about teaming up with Jody and Mike after our initial discussions,” he said. “We share a dynamic vision and are all committed to supporting Yusuf’s music and his timeless message of peace.”