# The greatest singer of the 20th century, according to Yusuf / Cat Stevens

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-greatest-singer-of-the-20th-century-according-to-yusuf-cat-stevens/
- Published: 2026-11-15T09:35:20+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T10:20:39+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/greatest-singer-history-according-to-yusuf-cat-stevens/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Cat Stevens chose Stevie Wonder as the greatest vocalist.
- Wonder’s music helped Stevens through a difficult time.
- Wonder gained creative control of his Motown work at 21.

## Summary

Yusuf / Cat Stevens named Stevie Wonder the greatest vocalist of all time in a Rolling Stone poll, crediting Wonder’s voice and music with helping him through a difficult period. The choice reflects Stevens’ view of music as a spiritual force that can offer emotional support beyond its commercial success.

Stevens was recovering from tuberculosis and coping with a break-up and growing substance use when Wonder’s music sustained him. Wonder, who released his 13th studio album at 21, gained greater creative control of his Motown work on reaching legal adulthood in 1971. The article links that shift to music that expressed more personal joy and purpose, qualities also praised by Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.