The legendary Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

One of India’s most revered and accomplished classical musicians, Zakir Hussain, passed away on Sunday.

Zakir Hussain, one of the most accomplished and revered classical music artists, passed away on Sunday, aged 73. He introduced tabla to global audiences and defied genres.

Zakir Hussain passes away at 73.

The Indian classical music icon died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said in a statement. The statement read, “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.”

Zakir Hussain was taught to play tabla by the legendary tabla artist and his father, Ustad Alla Rakha.

Zakir Hussain was the son of the legendary tabla artist Ustad Alla Rakha. He was born in 1951 in Mumbai and was taught how to play the instrument by his father at the age of 7. He started performing alongside India’s classical music legends during his teens. In 1973 he formed the Indian jazz fusion brand “Shakti” with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band played acoustic fusion music, combining Indian music with elements of jazz, introducing a new sound to Western audiences.

In 2024, Zakir Hussain became the first Indian musician to win three Grammy awards in the same year. Hussain’s Indian jazz fusion brand “Shakti” won Best Global Music Album. 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. The world mourns the death of Zakir Hussain, the legendary Indian classical artist. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.