Zakir Hussain, the celebrated Indian tabla virtuoso, has passed away at the age of 73. He died on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in the United States due to heart-related complications.
Hussain was hospitalized in San Francisco, where he had been receiving treatment for serious health concerns. His condition had been critical, and he was admitted to the ICU due to heart-related issues.
Born in 1951, Zakir Hussain was the son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. He began his musical journey at a young age and achieved international acclaim for his contributions to Indian classical and world music. Throughout his illustrious career, Hussain collaborated with numerous renowned artists across various genres, blending Indian classical music with jazz and other musical traditions.
Hussain’s exceptional talent earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, India’s highest civilian honors. He also received multiple Grammy Awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions to music.
His passing has left a profound impact on the music community worldwide. Fans and fellow musicians have expressed their grief and paid tribute to his legacy. His nephew, in response to earlier misinformation about his death, confirmed that Hussain was alive and requested prayers for his health.
Zakir Hussain’s legacy as a pioneer in tabla music and his efforts to bring Indian classical music to global audiences will continue to inspire musicians and music lovers for generations to come.