Zakir Hussain, Tabla Maestro and Global Music Icon, Dies at 73

A legend whose rhythms transcended borders leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy.

December 15, 2024: The world of music mourns the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, who passed away today at the age of 73 due to heart-related complications in a San Francisco hospital. Hussain, a musical genius who bridged Indian classical music with global sounds, was renowned for his virtuosity, creativity, and unparalleled rhythmic mastery.

Also Read: Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Hospitalized in San Francisco Amid Health Concerns

A Storied Legacy

Born in Bombay, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha. Following in his father’s footsteps, Zakir became a global ambassador for Indian classical music. His journey began at the age of 13, when a bold letter secured his first concert—a decision that would mark the beginning of an extraordinary career spanning six decades.

Musical Achievements

Zakir Hussain was a recipient of numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, with three earned at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. His groundbreaking collaborations with international artists, including his 1973 project Shakti with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram, introduced the world to a fusion of Indian classical music and jazz, a genre previously unheard of.

Tributes Pour In

As news of his passing spread, tributes flooded in from leaders, musicians, and industrialists.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra paid a poignant tribute, stating, “The rhythm of India paused today,” while sharing a video of Hussain’s jugalbandi with the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting wrote The world has lost a true musical genius. Zakir Hussain’s contributions to the world of music will forever be cherished.

Industrialist Gautam Adani too remember the Maestro fondly

Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia remarked, “Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures, and generations.”

Global Recognition

Zakir Hussain’s contributions earned him India’s Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan (2023). Revered for his skill and innovation, Zakir performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, where The New York Times lauded him as “a whimsical inventor devoted to exuberant play.”

A Rhythmic Innovator

From classical performances to groundbreaking collaborations, Zakir Hussain redefined the boundaries of music. His nimble hands created rhythms that not only captivated audiences but also brought Indian music to a global platform.

As the world pays tribute to the maestro, his timeless beats will continue to resonate, ensuring his legacy lives on.

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