Zakir Hussain, Indian tabla maestro, died in San Francisco on Monday of complications from lung disease. He was 73.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustaad Allah Rakha. He began his professional career at 12 and was performing internationally just six years later, earning acclaim for his accompaniment and solo performances.
His brand of fusing Indian classical music with various genres brought the tabla to international audiences, earning him four Grammys and India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. He performed at vaunted venues like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and the Barbican, among others.
“Ustaad Zakir Hussain was a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message about Hussain’s passing. “He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm.”
With 75 million streams, the track “Teri Yaadon Mein” was his most popular hit on Spotify.
Celebrity cellist Yo-Yo Ma, with whom Hussain collaborated, said: “Zakir’s artistry transcended borders, bringing people together through the universal language of music. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.” Another of his collaborators, pianist Herbie Hancock, said Hussain “was a true innovator, and his music will continue to inspire artists around the globe.”
Over the course of his long career, Hussain traversed genres with artists including former Beatle George Harrison, and even former Pakistani Adnan Sami Khan. These partnerships showed his commitment to cross-cultural musical exchange, fostering wider appreciation for South Asian music.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia, a Kathak dancer, and their two daughters, filmmaker Anisa Qureshi and ballet dancer Isabella Qureshi.