Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain of India Dies at 73
Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most celebrated and influential classical musicians, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73, The Associated Press reports.
His family announced that he died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a San Francisco hospital.
Hussain, widely considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, achieved global recognition for his mastery of the instrument, a pair of hand drums central to Indian classical music. His six-decade career transcended genres, blending Indian classical traditions with jazz, world music, and other styles. He collaborated with iconic musicians across the globe, including George Harrison, Charles Lloyd, Mickey Hart, and Yo-Yo Ma.
Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain was a child prodigy, learning the tabla from his father, the legendary Alla Rakha, at the age of seven. He began touring internationally by age twelve, performing alongside renowned Indian classical musicians throughout his teens. In a widely shared anecdote, Hussain recounted his father’s unique welcome: Alla Rakha greeted his newborn son by softly playing tabla rhythms into his ears. Both father and son were bestowed the honorific “Ustad,” meaning “master,” a testament to their exceptional talent.
In 1973, Hussain co-founded the groundbreaking jazz fusion band Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, introducing a unique blend of Indian and jazz sounds to Western audiences. His influence continued to grow, culminating in a historic achievement in 2024: he became the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards in a single year. Shakti’s album won Best Global Music Album, while his collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck, and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia earned Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. He previously won a Grammy in 2009.
In 2023, Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Hussain as a “true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music,” and an “icon of cultural unity,” praising his contribution to bringing the tabla to a global audience.
Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters.
