Lifeline
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June : June/July.
Back to the States with Davies, drummer Gerry Conway and bassist Larry Steele to enjoy the first post–“Tillerman” adulation. During these dates, “Moonshadow” makes its stage debut. It will be recorded for the next album, at Morgan in London.June : June.
Single: Moonshadow/Father and Son (#30 USA, #22 U.K.)September : September.
Single: Peace Train/Where Do The Children Play? Not issued as a single in England, “Peace Train” becomes Steve’s first massive American hit, reaching No. 7.September : September.
LP: Teaser and the Firecat. This one puts three singles into the charts and puts Cat Stevens on the map in America, where nothing from the “I Love My Dog” era had ever registered. He addresses his Greek heritage on the joyous “Rubylove,” revisits the church hymns of his youth with an eloquent interpretation of “Morning Has Broken” and records a couple of uncharacteristically up-tempo songs, “Changes IV,” “Bitterblue” and “Tuesday’s Dead.” The titular characters, painted by Steve on the cover, star in an award–winning short animated film, narrated by Spike Milligan, to the accompaniment of “Moonshadow.” Goes to #2 USA, #3 U.K.October : October:
Another American tour, playing bigger halls to bigger audiences.November : November.
Single: Morning Has Broken/I Want to Live in a Wigwam. The A–side gives session pianist Rick Wakeman his first appearance on a hit single; the B–side is a non–LP track from the “Teaser” sessions (#9 U.K., #6 U.S.) -
