Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73 in San Francisco
Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, aged 73, passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, USA. The iconic musician had been hospitalized for severe heart-related issues and was undergoing treatment in the ICU. His demise marks the end of an illustrious era in Indian and global music.
Born into a family of legendary musicians, Zakir Hussain was the son of Ustad Alla Rakha, a pioneer in Indian classical music. Starting his tabla journey at the age of seven, he became a prodigy, performing internationally by 12. Over his extensive career, Zakir Hussain blended traditional Indian music with global genres, redefining the scope of percussion.
Achievements and Honors
Zakir Hussain’s exceptional artistry earned him numerous awards, including:
- Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002)
- Padma Vibhushan (2023)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1990)
- Multiple Grammy Awards
He contributed to world music with collaborations spanning diverse genres and artists, including global legends like John McLaughlin. His innovative approach placed the tabla on the global map, influencing generations of musicians.
Mourning a Legend
The music fraternity and fans worldwide have expressed deep grief over the loss. Hussain’s ability to blend rhythm with soul created timeless melodies that resonated with audiences everywhere.Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73 in San Francisco
