January 7, 2025

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73, family confirms

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Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso, passed away on Monday in San Francisco at 73. His family confirmed that he succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Hussain’s death marks the end of an era in Indian classical music and global rhythm innovation.

On Sunday, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia revealed that Hussain was in a San Francisco ICU due to heart-related complications. Initial reports of his death circulated that day but were dismissed by his publicist, who stated he was still under treatment. The family had requested prayers for his recovery, keeping details about his condition private.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Hussain inherited his passion for tabla from his father, Ustad Allarakha, a legendary tabla maestro and Ravi Shankar’s accompanist. By age 12, he was performing at concerts, earning acclaim as a child prodigy.

Throughout his career, Hussain collaborated with iconic Indian musicians, including Ravi Shankar, Shivkumar Sharma, and Ali Akbar Khan. His groundbreaking work in fusion brought Indian classical music to the global stage. Collaborations with Western artists like The Beatles, Mickey Hart, and John McLaughlin cemented his status as a cultural ambassador.

Hussain founded the fusion band Shakti with John McLaughlin and L. Shankar, and participated in projects like Planet Drum and Global Drum Project. His unique rhythm mastery bridged diverse genres, influencing countless musicians worldwide.

In 2009, Hussain received Carnegie Hall’s Artist Perspective honor with sold-out concerts. India awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, alongside a Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. In 2024, he made history as the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in one night.

The United States recognized his contributions with the National Heritage Fellowship in 1999. SFJazz honored him in 2017 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022, he received the Aga Khan Award for his enduring musical legacy.

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa and Isabella, their families, his siblings Taufiq, Fazal, and Khurshid, and a legacy that transcends borders. His family requested privacy, mourning the loss of an irreplaceable maestro who inspired generations.