Hussain's influence transcended boundaries, making him a cultural ambassador and a source of inspiration for generations of musicians.
Zakir Hussain, Tabla Legend, Passes Away at 73
Zakir Hussain, Tabla Legend, Passes Away at 73
The world mourns the loss of a classical music icon, Zakir Hussain, who reinvented the tabla and left an indelible mark on global music.
Zakir Hussain, the revered tabla maestro and a pivotal figure in Indian classical music, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. His family confirmed that he succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at a San Francisco hospital. A celebrated musician, Hussain was a recipient of four Grammy Awards and the Padma Vibhushan, India's prestigious second-highest civilian honor. He redefined the role of the tabla, elevating it from a mere accompaniment to a celebrated solo instrument, captivating audiences worldwide.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes began flooding in from all corners of the globe. Noteworthy musician Nayan Ghosh shared his sorrow, reminiscing about their 60-year relationship. "He was a pathbreaker, a game-changer, an icon who put tabla and Indian music on the world map," Ghosh remarked. Renowned guitarist John McLaughlin lauded him as "the King," emphasizing Hussain's magical prowess in rhythm. Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej hailed him as one of India's greatest personalities in music.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Hussain's legacy as a visionary who transformed Indian classical music, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed that his departure is a significant loss for the musical community. The US embassy in India underscored his legacy as a "true maestro" who would be fondly remembered.
Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain was immersed in music from a young age, guided by his father, Ustad Allarakha Khan, himself a notable tabla player. By seven, Hussain began performing alongside his father. His remarkable journey included sharing stages with icons like Pandit Ravi Shankar during his teenage years, culminating in over 150 concerts annually by the age of 19. His influence spread extensively as he scored for films, collaborated with global artists, and won accolades, including a Grammy for his groundbreaking album Planet Drum.
Hussain's popularity was rooted not just in his talent but in his dedication to music. He believed in being a vessel for its appeal rather than seeking personal glory. In later years, he prioritized empowering young Indian artists, making classical performances attractive even to younger audiences willing to pay premium prices for tickets, a notable departure from traditional norms. Speaking about his journey, he recognized himself as fortunate to have navigated a transformative period in music history.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes began flooding in from all corners of the globe. Noteworthy musician Nayan Ghosh shared his sorrow, reminiscing about their 60-year relationship. "He was a pathbreaker, a game-changer, an icon who put tabla and Indian music on the world map," Ghosh remarked. Renowned guitarist John McLaughlin lauded him as "the King," emphasizing Hussain's magical prowess in rhythm. Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej hailed him as one of India's greatest personalities in music.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Hussain's legacy as a visionary who transformed Indian classical music, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed that his departure is a significant loss for the musical community. The US embassy in India underscored his legacy as a "true maestro" who would be fondly remembered.
Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain was immersed in music from a young age, guided by his father, Ustad Allarakha Khan, himself a notable tabla player. By seven, Hussain began performing alongside his father. His remarkable journey included sharing stages with icons like Pandit Ravi Shankar during his teenage years, culminating in over 150 concerts annually by the age of 19. His influence spread extensively as he scored for films, collaborated with global artists, and won accolades, including a Grammy for his groundbreaking album Planet Drum.
Hussain's popularity was rooted not just in his talent but in his dedication to music. He believed in being a vessel for its appeal rather than seeking personal glory. In later years, he prioritized empowering young Indian artists, making classical performances attractive even to younger audiences willing to pay premium prices for tickets, a notable departure from traditional norms. Speaking about his journey, he recognized himself as fortunate to have navigated a transformative period in music history.
