Indian music legend Zakir Hussain dies suddenly at 73
- Zakir Hussain, a legendary tabla player, died on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco after battling a chronic lung disease.
- He was born in Mumbai in 1951 and learned tabla from his father at a young age, achieving widespread recognition by his teenage years.
- Hussain left behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and is celebrated for fostering global appreciation of Indian classical music.
India has lost one of its most celebrated musicians, Zakir Hussain, who passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 73. He succumbed to complications stemming from a chronic lung disease while hospitalized in San Francisco. Born in Mumbai in 1951 and the son of renowned tabla player Alla Rakha, Hussain was a prodigy who began learning tabla at the age of seven and was already touring by the time he turned twelve. His innovative contributions to music spanned six decades, and he was the most recognized tabla virtuoso, introducing the instrument to audiences worldwide. Hussain played a pivotal role in popularizing Indian classical music across the globe through various collaborations with legendary artists spanning different genres. He worked with notable musicians, including former Beatle George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey Hart, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In 1973, he co-founded the band 'Shakti' with acclaimed jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, creating a unique fusion of Indian music and jazz that resonated deeply with Western audiences. This innovative approach helped bridge cultural divides and brought a new appreciation for Indian classical music in the West. His remarkable career was punctuated by accolades, including being the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year, 2024, in categories celebrating global music performance and contemporary instrumental excellence. He previously won a Grammy in 2009 and was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2023. His immense contribution to the arts was recognized by prominent figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised him as a 'True genius' and an 'icon of cultural unity.' Hussain's death has left a significant void in the landscape of Indian classical music. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, and his legacy as a cultural ambassador is expected to inspire future generations of musicians. His approach to music and artistry revolutionized perceptions of tabla playing while reinforcing the idea of music as a universal language that transcends boundaries.