Renowned Classical Musician Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73, Leaving behind a Rich Musical Legacy
NEW DELHI—Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians who defied genres and introduced tabla to global audiences, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73.
The Indian classical music legend succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a San Francisco hospital, as confirmed by his family’s statement.
His family’s statement described him as a prolific teacher, mentor, and educator who left an indelible mark on numerous musicians. His aim was to inspire the next generation to excel, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Hussain was widely recognized as the foremost tabla player, the primary percussion instrument in Indian classical music.
Dubbed as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain had a career spanning six decades during which he collaborated with renowned artists like George Harrison, Charles Lloyd, Mickey Hart, and Yo-Yo Ma.
Born in Mumbai in 1951 to legendary tabla artist Alla Rakha, Hussain learned to play the instrument from his father at the age of 7. A prodigy, he started touring at 12 and performed alongside India’s classical music icons in his teens.
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In a widely shared interview on social media in India, Hussain recounted how his father welcomed him into the world by reciting tabla rhythms into his ears right after birth.
Recalling the moment, Hussain imitated the rhythmic pattern of the instrument, stating, “So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear, and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears.”
Both Alla Rakha and Hussain were honored with the title “Ustad,” signifying master.
In 1973, Hussain collaborated with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin to form the Indian jazz fusion band “Shakti,” which blended Indian music with jazz elements to create a new sound for Western audiences.
In 2024, Hussain made history by becoming the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards in a single year.
His band “Shakti” secured the Best Global Music Album award, while his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck, and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia won in the categories of Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Hussain had previously won a Grammy in 2009.
In 2023, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Hussain as a “true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music” and lauded him as an “icon of cultural unity.”
“He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm,” Modi expressed in a post on the social platform X.
Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters.
By Sheikh Saaliq
