Jobaaj Stories
Zakir Hussain, the globally celebrated tabla virtuoso and cultural icon, passed away on Monday at a hospital in San Francisco, USA. He was 73. The maestro succumbed to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed in a statement.
Hussain had been hospitalized for the past two weeks, and his condition had deteriorated, requiring him to be shifted to (ICU). His sister, Khurshid Aulia, shared that he passed away “very peacefully” at 4 pm San Francisco time after being taken off the ventilation machine.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the family said in their statement.
The tabla has lost its most ardent ‘student’ and will miss the dance of his fingers.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) December 16, 2024
In the passing away of legendary tabla virtuoso and composer Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji, Indian classical music has lost a legend. He made his debut at a young age of 13 and went on to be celebrated… pic.twitter.com/GMfFeLJa0p
Born on March 9, 1951, Zakir Hussain was the son of tabla legend Ustad Alla Rakha. From an early age, his prodigious talent was evident, and he began performing professionally at the age of seven. Over a career spanning six decades, he established himself as the finest tabla player of his generation, pushing the boundaries of Indian classical music and introducing it to global audiences.
Hussain’s contributions extended beyond traditional music. His groundbreaking 1973 collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram—creating the band Shakti—was a milestone in fusion music, blending Indian classical elements with jazz.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hussain worked with legendary Indian musicians such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His collaborations with global icons, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and rock legend George Harrison, elevated Indian classical music to international prominence.
Hussain’s accolades were as vast as his influence. He won four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy ceremony earlier this year. His contributions were recognized by the Indian government with the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, India’s second-highest civilian honor.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer, and their daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the globe. Fans, fellow musicians, and world leaders mourned the loss of a cultural giant whose rhythms transcended borders, genres, and generations.
Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled artistry and innovative spirit leave behind a legacy that will inspire musicians and music lovers for generations to come.
