Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most celebrated tabla players, has passed away at the age of 73. His family confirmed that he died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco.
Hussain was a four-time Grammy Award winner and received India’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan. Hussain’s contribution to classical music was immense. He elevated the tabla, a pair of drums traditionally used as an accompaniment in Indian music, into a globally recognised solo instrument. His performances made the tabla the star of the show, bringing it into the spotlight in concert halls around the world.
Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain grew up surrounded by music. His father, Ustad Allarakha Khan, was a renowned tabla player, and Hussain began learning under his guidance from a young age. By just seven years old, Hussain was already performing alongside his father at concerts, an experience he described as vital to his musical growth. He often recalled the “atmosphere of music 24 hours a day” in his home, which helped him absorb various musical influences from a very young age.
As a teenager, Hussain had the opportunity to perform with the legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar. By the age of 19, he was playing more than 150 concerts a year, both in India and abroad. His fame grew, and he soon collaborated with several renowned musicians worldwide, such as George Harrison of The Beatles, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and singer Van Morrison.
In 1992, Hussain’s album “Planet Drum”, a collaboration with drummer Mickey Hart, won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. He went on to receive seven Grammy nominations and won four awards throughout his career.
Hussain’s musical style was admired for both its technical brilliance and its creative inventiveness. A New York Times review of his 2009 performance at Carnegie Hall described him as a "fearsome technician" who also had a playful, inventive side, adding depth and emotion to his performances.
Reflecting on his journey, Hussain once said that he was fortunate to be part of a significant change in the music world, where his talent was embraced globally. His unhurried, yet passionate relationship with music allowed him to achieve success while still enjoying his craft. His death has left a void in the world of music, with tributes pouring in from all over the globe.