The world of music is in mourning as Zakir Hussain, the tabla virtuoso who turned a humble pair of Indian drums into a global phenomenon, has passed away at the age of 73. Hussain succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung disease, at a San Francisco hospital, leaving behind an unmatched legacy.
A four-time Grammy winner and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, Hussain was celebrated for his masterful artistry and innovative spirit. Born in Mumbai in 1951, he began training under his father, the legendary Ustad Alla rakha Khan, and gave his first performance at just seven years old. By 18, he was already captivating international audiences with his groundbreaking collaborations and mesmerizing solo performances.
Through his career, Hussain transformed the tabla from an accompaniment instrument to the dazzling centerpiece of concerts worldwide. Whether performing with Indian classical legends, collaborating with global icons like George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma, or enchanting audiences at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Hussain’s “dancing fingers” made the tabla sing in ways few could imagine.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Fellow musician Nayan Ghosh called him a “game-changer” and “an icon who transcended boundaries of genre.” The New York Times once described him as “a fearsome technician and a whimsical inventor,” capable of rivaling the beat of a hummingbird’s wings.
