Zakir Hussain, the renowned Indian tabla virtuoso, has passed away at the age of 73. Widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain died on Sunday in San Francisco due to complications from a chronic lung disease, according to a statement from his family.
Born in Mumbai, Hussain's artistry with the tabla—India's signature percussion instrument—made him an international ambassador of Indian classical music. His family described him as a prolific teacher and mentor who deeply impacted generations of musicians, stating that he had dedicated his life to inspiring the next wave of tabla players.
Hussain's musical journey began at the age of 12, when he started learning the tabla from his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, one of India's greatest tabla maestros. Zakir Hussain often recounted a unique and intimate moment from his birth, when his father welcomed him into the world by reciting tabla rhythms into his ear. "The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby's ear... So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear, and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears," Hussain once shared, reflecting on his deep connection to the instrument from the very beginning of his life.
Born in Mumbai, Hussain's artistry with the tabla—India's signature percussion instrument—made him an international ambassador of Indian classical music. His family described him as a prolific teacher and mentor who deeply impacted generations of musicians, stating that he had dedicated his life to inspiring the next wave of tabla players.
Hussain's musical journey began at the age of 12, when he started learning the tabla from his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, one of India's greatest tabla maestros. Zakir Hussain often recounted a unique and intimate moment from his birth, when his father welcomed him into the world by reciting tabla rhythms into his ear. "The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby's ear... So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear, and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears," Hussain once shared, reflecting on his deep connection to the instrument from the very beginning of his life.
By the age of 12, Hussain was already touring, performing alongside some of India's finest classical musicians. His rise to global fame was swift, and by the age of 18, he was earning critical acclaim for his mesmerizing solo performances. His virtuosity soon caught the attention of Western musicians, leading to collaborations with giants such as former Beatle George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and the celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma. {alertInfo}In 1973, Hussain co-founded the Indian jazz fusion group "Shakti" with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band's groundbreaking fusion of Indian classical music with jazz elements helped introduce a new sound to the Western world, garnering widespread appreciation for the rhythmic intricacies of Indian music.
Hussain's influence was not confined to performances. He was a passionate educator and a powerful voice for Indian music across the globe. His commitment to blending tradition with innovation earned him numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards in 2024, making him the first musician from India to win three Grammys in a single year. He had previously won a Grammy in 2009.
Hussain leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire tabla players and musicians worldwide. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Zakir Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of Indian classical music, but his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and his efforts to bridge cultures through music will ensure his influence endures for generations to come.
Hussain's influence was not confined to performances. He was a passionate educator and a powerful voice for Indian music across the globe. His commitment to blending tradition with innovation earned him numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards in 2024, making him the first musician from India to win three Grammys in a single year. He had previously won a Grammy in 2009.
In 2023, Hussain was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his immense contribution to music and culture. {alertSuccess}Hussain leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire tabla players and musicians worldwide. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Zakir Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of Indian classical music, but his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and his efforts to bridge cultures through music will ensure his influence endures for generations to come.