Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital, his family announced on Monday. The legendary musician succumbed to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a statement from the family.
Hussain had been hospitalized for two weeks, with his condition deteriorating to the point of being admitted to the ICU. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola; his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi; his brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi; and his sister, Khurshid Aulia. Born on March 9, 1951, he was the son of tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha.
A Life of Musical Brilliance
Widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain’s illustrious career spanned six decades. Starting as a child prodigy at the age of seven, he collaborated with India’s most celebrated artists, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma.
His groundbreaking 1973 musical collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram fused Indian classical music with jazz, creating a unique genre that captivated global audiences.
Hussain also worked extensively with Western artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison, bringing Indian classical music to an international audience. His efforts cemented his role as a global cultural ambassador for Indian music.
Legacy of Excellence
Throughout his career, Hussain earned numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards. Most recently, he was honored with three Grammys at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. The Government of India recognized his contributions with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Tributes Pour In
Condolences poured in from across the globe following news of Hussain’s demise. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej described him as “a treasure trove of skill and knowledge,” praising his humility and influence. “His legacy will live on forever,” Kej wrote on social media.
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all the music you gave us,” while Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him an “irreplaceable legend.” She expressed her sorrow, saying, “The world of music will be lesser without Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
A Global Icon of Music
From his collaborations with India’s iconic performers to his innovative work with international artists, Zakir Hussain’s legacy transcends borders. He leaves behind a rich body of work that will inspire generations of musicians and music lovers worldwide.