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Zakir Hussain, hailed as one of the foremost masters of tabla music, a distinct style of Indian percussion, has passed away.
According to his family, Hussain, who collaborated with notable artists such as George Harrison and Van Morrison throughout his illustrious career, succumbed to complications related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at a hospital in San Francisco.
A statement from his family read: “He bequeaths an exceptional legacy that will be treasured by innumerable music aficionados worldwide, with an impact that will resonate through generations. His extensive contributions as an instructor, mentor, and educator have greatly influenced countless musicians.
“He aspired to motivate the forthcoming generations to reach greater heights. He leaves an unmatched legacy as a cultural envoy and one of the most remarkable musicians in history. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.”
Zakir Hussain performing in New Delhi in 2009. File pic: AP
At the age of 73, Hussain achieved four Grammy Awards, a notable record for an Indian musician, which included honors for Best Global Music Album, Global Music Performance, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at this year’s awards in February.
Among the many honors shared on social media, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a “legendary tabla maestro” and a “genuine genius” on X.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar remarked, “we were privileged to witness your brilliance” and noted “the rhythms will forever resonate in our hearts.”
Fellow cricketer Yuvraj Singh termed Hussain a “true maestro.”
Over a musical career spanning six decades, Hussain collaborated with numerous esteemed international artists.
In 1972, his encounter with British guitarist John McLaughlin led to the establishment of the trailblazing band Shakti the following year.
The ensemble also featured violinist L. Shankar and percussionist T. H. Vinayakram, whose fusion of Indian classical music with Western jazz garnered the group a Grammy for Best Global Music.
Hussain revolutionized tabla performance, and throughout his extensive career, he collaborated with Jerry Garcia, the lead singer and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, Irish vocalist Van Morrison, American percussionist Mickey Hart, Latin jazz percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, and contributed to George Harrison’s 1973 album Living In The Material World, which topped several international album charts.
Zakir Hussain (C), alongside Edgar Meyer (L), and Rakesh Chaurasia, accepted the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for Pashto at the 2024 awards in Los Angeles. Pic: AP
In the 1990s, he explored Asian Underground music, merging Western styles with Asian classical influences while ensuring the tabla remained a focal point.
His partnership with banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, double bassist Edgar Meyer, and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia yielded this year’s Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album with their project As We Speak. Their track “Pashto” won the award for Best Global Music Performance. The group was scheduled for a tour in India this January.
He also contributed music for Bollywood and Hollywood productions, including this year’s Monkey Man featuring Dev Patel, and appeared in the 1983 film Heat And Dust, a Merchant Ivory production where he portrayed a character who pursued Julie Christie romantically.
Throughout his life and career, he received numerous accolades, including the Padma
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Vibhushan, the second-most prestigious civilian honor in India, is awarded for “exceptional and distinguished service.” He had earlier received both the third and fourth-ranking civilian accolades.
A child prodigy, Hussain received his early training from his father, Alla Rakha, who is also celebrated as one of India’s finest tabla players.
He often stated that the fundamental rhythm of the tabla was introduced to him through the very first words his father whispered in his ears upon bringing him home after his birth.
Hussain performed his inaugural concert at the tender age of seven and began touring just five years thereafter.
After finishing his education in Mumbai, where he was born, he moved to America in 1970. By the age of 19, Hussain was imparting knowledge at the University of Washington before becoming a member of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s music institute in San Francisco.
In 1994, he was also recognized as the “sexiest man” by the female readership of the Indian publication Gentleman, competing against prominent figures such as Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan.
The jugalbandi, which is a duet featuring two solo artists in Indian classical music, has been an extraordinary aspect of his performances.
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Enthusiasts of the genre cherished the vibrant, theatrical musical exchanges between Hussain and sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar, santoor master Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, flutist Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and sarangi expert Ustad Sultan Khan, along with various other classical Indian musicians.
Hussain is survived by his spouse, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
