Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians who defied genres and introduced tabla to global audiences, has died aged 73.
The Indian classical music icon died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco on Sunday, his family said in a statement.
“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,” the statement read.
Hussain was the most recognisable exponent of tabla, a pair of hand drums that is the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music.
Hussain was born in 1951 in Mumbai. His father, legendary tabla artist Ustad Alla Rakha, taught him how to play the instrument at the age of seven. A child prodigy, he began performing alongside India’s classical music legends during his teens.
In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band played acoustic fusion music that combined Indian music with elements of jazz, introducing a new sound to western audiences.
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year.
Hussain’s Shakti won best global music album, and his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia won best global music performance and best contemporary instrumental album. He had earlier won a Grammy in 2009.
In 2023, Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Besides his work as a tabla player, Hussain also composed film scores, acted in films including the Merchant Ivory film Heat and Dust and became the face of Taj Mahal tea in India.
Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters, as well as his sister and two brothers.
