Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Dies at 73

Zakir Hussain, the renowned tabla virtuoso who elevated Indian classical music on the global stage, passed away at 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed.

Born in Mumbai on March 9, 1951, to legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha, Hussain showed exceptional talent from a young age, starting his tabla training at three and performing by age 12. A child prodigy, he later collaborated with Indian icons like Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan, as well as global legends such as The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mickey Hart.

Hussain’s innovative fusion of Indian classical music with global genres made him a cultural ambassador. He founded influential projects like Shakti and the Global Drum Project, pushing the boundaries of world music.

The recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including India’s Padma Vibhushan, two Grammys for Planet Drum, and three more in 2024 for his collaborations, Hussain’s impact on music was unparalleled. He was also honored with the National Heritage Fellowship and the SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award.

A beloved teacher and mentor, Hussain inspired countless musicians worldwide. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.