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Zakir Hussain, India's great classical musician, dies at 73
Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain has died at the age of 73. His legacy as a music pioneer and teacher will be unforgettable in the world of classical music.
Zakir Hussain, India's great classical musician, dies at 73
New Delhi (AP) —Zakir Hussain, one of India's greatest classical musicians who transcended genre boundaries and brought the tabla to a global audience, died on Sunday at the age of 73.
According to a statement from his family, the Indian music icon died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, in a hospital in San Francisco.
An unparalleled legacy
"His extensive work as a teacher, mentor and educator left a lasting impression on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go even further. He leaves an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time," the statement said.
The master of the tabla
Hussain was the best-known exponent of the tabla, a pair of hand drums that is the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music. He was considered the greatest tabla player of his generation and had a career that spanned six decades. During this time he worked with greats such as singer-songwriter George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey Hart and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
A musical childhood
Hussain was born in Mumbai in 1951 as the son of the legendary tabla artist Ustad Alla Rakha and started receiving lessons from his father at the age of seven. As a child prodigy, he performed alongside the legends of Indian classical music in his teenage years.
Innovation in Jazz
In 1973, Hussain founded the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti along with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band played acoustic fusion music that combined Indian sounds with elements of jazz, introducing a new sound to a Western audience.
Grammy and awards
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy Awards in a year. His band Shakti won Best Global Music Album, while his collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and 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 civilian award.
Zakir Hussain leaves behind his wife and two daughters.