Farewell to a Legend: Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73
The legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain leaves behind a cherished legacy respected by music lovers worldwide, an influence that will resonate for generations.
Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, their families, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia.
On Sunday, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, a close friend, shared that Hussain had been admitted to the ICU of a San Francisco hospital with heart-related issues.
Early reports suggested the 73-year-old had passed away, but these claims were dismissed by his publicist, who confirmed to PTI that he was undergoing treatment.
At the time, his family requested prayers for his recovery, withholding further details about his condition.
On Monday, Hussain’s family announced his passing with an official statement: “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians.
He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.” They also requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Tributes to a Maestro
Political and cultural leaders paid their respects. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge called Hussain a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms.”
Kharge added, “The Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro gloriously carried forward his father’s legacy with exceptional performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honors are a testament to this.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Hussain as “a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions,” emphasizing his unparalleled contributions to culture and humanity.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai’s Mahim, Zakir Hussain inherited his love for music from his father, the legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha, Ravi Shankar’s longtime accompanist.
From the age of three, Hussain began learning the mridang from his father and performed in concerts by the age of 12. His father’s unique prayer—reciting tabla rhythms into his infant son’s ears—symbolized the depth of his devotion to music.
“The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby’s ear, welcoming the baby and putting some good words,” Hussain once recalled.
“He said, ‘These are my prayers. This is how I pray. I am the worshipper of Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesh. This is the knowledge I got from my teachers, and I wanted to pass it on to my son.’”
A Prodigy’s Path to Stardom
A child prodigy, Hussain collaborated with Indian music legends such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma.
His groundbreaking ventures into Western music—working with icons like The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, and George Harrison—established Indian classical music on the global stage. These collaborations solidified his reputation as a global cultural ambassador.
Hussain’s innovative spirit led to historic projects like Shakti (co-founded with John McLaughlin and L Shankar), Remember Shakti, and Tabla Beat Science.
His work also included “Making Music,” “The Diga Rhythm Band,” and Grammy-winning collaborations like “Planet Drum” with Mickey Hart.
Additional partnerships with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Charles Lloyd further showcased his versatility and genius.
Celebrating Unmatched Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Hussain received numerous honors. India bestowed upon him the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship, celebrating his contributions to Indian music. Globally, he earned two Grammy Awards for “Planet Drum” and, remarkably, three more in 2024 for collaborations with Shakti and Béla Fleck.
Notably, Hussain was the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in one night. In 1999, he was awarded the United States’ National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor for traditional artists, followed by SFJazz’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
The Aga Khan Award in 2022 recognized his “enduring contributions to humanity’s musical heritage and sustained social impact.”
An Enduring Legacy
Hussain’s artistry transcended genres and borders. His unique mastery of rhythm bridged cultures and created authentic connections between diverse musical traditions.
His influence will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring his place as one of the greatest musicians in history.
