Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73 in San Francisco
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, one of the most celebrated figures in Indian classical music, passed away in San Francisco, United States. His family confirmed the news on Monday. He was 73. Hussain died due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a statement released by the family.
Hussain had been hospitalized for two weeks and was recently moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) as his condition worsened. His sister, Khurshid Aulia, said that he passed away peacefully.
Born on March 9, 1951, Zakir Hussain was the son of legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha. He began his musical journey at the young age of seven and quickly rose to become a pioneer of Indian classical music on the global stage. Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
In a heartfelt statement, the family said, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”
Hussain’s career, which spanned over six decades, was marked by groundbreaking collaborations with Indian and international artists. His 1973 project with guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram introduced a fusion of Indian classical music with jazz, a genre-defining experiment that captivated audiences worldwide.
He collaborated with Indian music legends such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. Additionally, his work with Western artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Charles Lloyd, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison, brought Indian classical music to global prominence.
Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music earned him numerous accolades. He received four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. The maestro was also honored with India’s highest civilian awards: the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Hussain’s unparalleled talent and dedication transformed him into a cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between Indian classical traditions and global audiences. His artistry and influence will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.
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