Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time, has left an indelible mark on modern world music with his collaborations across genres and cultures. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come as he defied conventions and inspired countless musicians through his teaching, mentoring, and educational work.
Legendary Tabla Virtuoso Zakir Hussain Dies at 73
Indian tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain performs at a concert at the Indian Music Experience (IME), India‘s first interactive music museum, in Bangalore on July 27, 2019.
Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty Images
Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso who defied genres and collaborated with musicians from diverse cultures, has died at the age of 73. His family announced his passing on Sunday, citing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as the cause of death.
Hussain’s career spanned over five decades, during which he was revered as both a national treasure in India and admired worldwide. He defied genres and collaborated with an impressive range of musicians, including jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, bluegrass artists Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck, as well as rockstars George Harrison and Van Morrison.
His versatility earned him the rare distinction of performing twice on NPR’s Tiny Desk – once in 2010 and then in 2023. Hussain often said that his musical journey began soon after he was born in Bombay, where his father, Alla Rakha, taught him how to play the tabla when he was just 7 years old.
In a statement, his family said: “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”
Hussain’s passion for teaching Indian drumming helped spread appreciation for the art form, and he often said that his musical journey began with his father whispering rhythms into his ear soon after birth.
In 1970, at 19, Hussain traveled to the U.S. where he spent the following years working with rockstars like George Harrison, Van Morrison, and Mickey Hart, the drummer from The Grateful Dead. He also played with jazz musician John Handy.
In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. With its melodic and rhythm instruments, the band helped American listeners appreciate sounds and instruments beyond Western music.
Hussain’s collaborations with musicians from diverse cultures have left an indelible mark on modern world music. His legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time will be remembered for generations to come.
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammy awards in the same year after Shakti won Best Global Music Album, and Hussain’s collaboration with Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck featuring Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Hussain told NPR in 2015 that throughout the course of his career, he has found similarities between rhythmists around the world – regardless of approach or style. “We were all on the same wavelength, the same quest, looking for perfection, which we will never find. But that didn’t matter because it’s all about the journey – not the goal,” he said.
NPR’s Felix Contreras contributed reporting.
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