Zakir Hussain, India's great classical musician, dies at the age of 73

Zakir Hussain, India's great classical musician, dies at the age of 73

New Delhi (AP) - Zakir Hussain, one of the most important classical musicians in India who crossed genrees and brought the tabla closer to a global audience, died on Sunday at the age of 73.

According to a message from his family, the Indian music icon died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, in a hospital in San Francisco.

an incomparable heir

"His extensive work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left a lasting impression on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation.

The master of the tabla

Hussain was the best -known representative of the tabla, a pair of hand drums that represents the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music. He was considered the largest tablet player in his generation and had a career that stretched over six decades. During this time he worked with greats such as singer-songwriter George Harrison, the jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey and the cellist Yoo Ma.

a musical childhood

Hussain was born in Mumbai in 1951 as the son of the legendary Tabla artist Ustad Alla Rakha and received lessons from his father at the age of seven. As a child prodigy, he performed together with the legends of classical Indian music.

innovation in jazz

In 1973, Hussain founded the Indian jazz fusion band "Shakti" together with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band played acoustic fusion music that presented Indian sounds with elements of the jazz association and presented a new sound.

grammy and awards

2024 was Hussain the first musician from India to win three Grammy Awards in one year. His band "Shakti" received the prize for the best global musical album, while his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck and the flutist Rakesh Chaurasia was awarded the best global music performance and for the best contemporary instrumental album. He had already won a Grammy in 2009.

honors and legacy

In 2023, Hussain was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civil award.

Zakir Hussain leaves his wife and two daughters.