Zakir Hussain, the legendary percussionist who revolutionized the tabla and elevated Indian classical music on a global scale, has passed away at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition. His family announced the news from a hospital in San Francisco.
Born in Mumbai to a father who was a tabla virtuoso, Hussain showcased his prodigious talent from a young age. He collaborated with renowned Indian musicians such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma, eventually co-founding the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin in 1973. Hussain began touring at just 12 years old, transforming the table from a mere accompaniment into a leading instrument, captivating audiences worldwide with his intricate “dancing fingers” technique. Notable figures like George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Van Morrison, and Pharoah Sanders sought collaborations with him.
Hussain’s illustrious career also included composing scores for both Indian and Western films, notably contributing to the iconic film Apocalypse Now. Alongside his numerous achievements, he dedicated significant time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians. As one of the most celebrated Indian artists internationally, Hussain received five Grammy Awards, a National Heritage Fellowship, a Kyoto Prize, and numerous prestigious accolades from Indian society. He was also honored with a special concert series at Carnegie Hall in 2009. In a statement reflecting on his impact, Hussain remarked, “This is music’s appeal, not mine. I am a worshipper of music, who presents it in front of people.”
