Zakir Hussain, legendary Indian tabla musician, dies aged 73

Legendary Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has died at the age of 73 in San Francisco from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family announced. Widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain’s career spanned six decades, blending tradition and innovation to bring Indian classical music to global prominence. Born in 1951 in Mumbai, Hussain was trained by his father, the iconic tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, and began performing as a child prodigy. He collaborated with global legends, including George Harrison, Van Morrison, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mickey Hart, and was a pioneer of fusion music. In 1973, he co-founded Shakti, a groundbreaking band combining Indian and jazz music. Hussain made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards in one year, for his work on Shakti, and collaborations with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck, and Rakesh Chaurasia. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, India’s second-highest civilian honor, he also composed film scores, acted in films, and became a cultural ambassador for Indian music. Hussain’s legacy as a teacher, mentor, and global icon remains unparalleled. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, sister, and two brothers, leaving behind a profound cultural and musical impact. «zakir hussain last performance» Zakir Hussain tabla maestro, legendary Indian musician Zakir Hussain, Zakir Hussain Grammy winner 2024, Shakti fusion music band, Zakir Hussain Padma Vibhushan 2023, Zakir...