Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Dies at 73, Leaving a Global Musical Legacy

Zakir Hussain, Renowned Indian Tabla Virtuoso, Passes Away at 73

Zakir Hussain, the legendary Indian tabla maestro celebrated for his unparalleled skill and cross-genre collaborations, has died at the age of 73. His family confirmed his passing due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, in San Francisco, where he resided.

Considered a cultural icon in India, Hussain’s illustrious career spanned over decades, earning him four Grammy Awards. He worked alongside renowned artists such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz luminary Charles Lloyd, sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, and George Harrison of The Beatles, forging a global legacy that elevated Indian classical music.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Hussain was the son of revered tabla master Alla Rakha Qureshi. Instinctively drawn to music, he began performing by age seven and embarked on international tours by twelve, establishing himself as a formidable talent early on.

Proclaimed as ‘Ustad’—a title signifying mastery—alongside his father, the pair revolutionized the perception of the tabla from a supporting instrument to a center-stage phenomenon. Zakir Hussain’s pivotal 2009 Carnegie Hall concerts in New York, sold out all four nights, signified the tabla’s arrival on the world stage.

Hussain’s recent accolades included Grammy Awards for contemporary instrumental album, global music album, and global music performance. His influence extended beyond music, earning deep respect and admiration globally.

Survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, and his siblings Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi—all tabla players themselves—Hussain’s legacy endures. His passing marks the end of an era for music lovers across the globe. Hussain’s unparalleled contributions to music remain deeply etched in the annals of world music history.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times © 2024 The New York Times Company.