San Francisco: Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished and influential classical musicians, passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday, after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease.
The iconic tabla virtuoso died at a hospital in San Francisco, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement.
Hussain was the face of tabla, the hand drums central to Indian classical music, and was widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation. With a career spanning over six decades, Hussain brought the art form to global prominence, defying musical boundaries and blending Indian classical traditions with diverse genres.
His collaborations with world-renowned artists such as George Harrison, Van Morrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey Hart, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma are a testament to his versatility and influence on both traditional and modern music scenes.
Forever in our hearts, Wah Ustaad Wah! We pay our tributes to Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true maestro who touched millions of hearts worldwide with this special video we created with him to celebrate 75 years of the U.S.-India relationship. pic.twitter.com/GvQ2CJpGNf
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 16, 2024
Born in 1951 in Mumbai, Hussain was the son of Ustad Alla Rakha, a legendary tabla maestro, who introduced him to the instrument at the age of seven. A child prodigy, Hussain began performing with India’s classical music legends during his teenage years. His natural talent and dedication quickly earned him a place among the giants of Indian music.
In 1973, Hussain co-founded the pioneering Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with renowned jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band’s innovative acoustic fusion sound blended Indian classical music with jazz, captivating both Indian and Western audiences and opening new doors for cross-cultural musical exploration.
Hussain’s contributions to music were further recognized in 2024 when he made history as the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards in the same year. His band Shakti won Best Global Music Album, while his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck, and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia earned the awards for Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Hussain had previously won a Grammy in 2009.
Hussain’s impact was recognized globally, with one of the highest honours in India, the Padma Vibhushan, awarded to him in 2023.
Hussain’s legacy transcends music; he was a beloved figure who inspired generations of musicians and fans around the world.
As the world mourns the loss of a musical genius, Zakir Hussain’s remarkable contributions to Indian and world music will forever resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape.
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