Zakir Hussain, Legendary Tabla Maestro and Five-Time Grammy Winner, Passes Away at 73

San Francisco, December 16, 2024 – Zakir Hussain, the renowned tabla virtuoso and five-time Grammy Award winner, has passed away at the age of 73. Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on Sunday, asking for privacy during this difficult time.

Zakir Hussain was widely regarded as one of the most transcendent musicians in the world, known for his extraordinary skill on the tabla, the Indian percussion instrument. His contributions to both Indian classical music and global music cultures earned him a legendary status that transcended borders. Hussain’s mastery of rhythm and his innovative collaborations with artists from various genres cemented his position as a true musical icon.

Born in 1951, Zakir Hussain’s musical journey began early under the tutelage of his father, Ustad Allarakha, a celebrated tabla player. Hussain’s virtuosity and deep understanding of Indian classical music quickly earned him recognition on the global stage. Throughout his illustrious career, he collaborated with an array of artists across different genres, including jazz, Western classical music, and world music, bridging cultural divides through his performances.

In recognition of his immense contributions, Zakir Hussain was honored with numerous accolades over the years. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023—three of India’s highest civilian honors. He was also the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and later the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. In 1999, Hussain received the National Heritage Fellowship from the United States’ National Endowment for the Arts, marking his recognition as one of the country’s highest honors for traditional artists.

Hussain’s impact extended far beyond the stage. In 2017, he was honored with the SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled contributions to music, and in 2022, he received the Aga Khan Award for his enduring influence on the musical heritage of humanity.

Zakir Hussain leaves behind a profound legacy that will continue to inspire music lovers and musicians for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, and his brothers, Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, as well as his sister, Khurshid Aulia.

His family paid tribute to him, saying, “Zakir Hussain was one of the world’s most transcendent musicians. His legacy will continue to resonate globally, cherished by countless music lovers.”As the world mourns the loss of a true musical legend, Zakir Hussain’s impact on the world of music and culture will remain immeasurable.