Zakir Hussain, the globally renowned tabla maestro who revolutionized Indian classical music and brought it to international audiences, died on December 15 at a hospital in San Francisco. He was 73.
According to a family statement, Hussain succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. He passed away peacefully after being taken off ventilator support.
The tabla virtuoso's death comes just months after his historic achievement at the 66th Grammy Awards, where he became the first Indian artist to win three Grammy awards in a single night. His recent accolades included Best Global Music Performance for "Pashto," Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for "As We Speak," and Best Global Music Album for "This Moment."
Born in Mumbai to legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain began performing at age seven. By his teenage years, he was accompanying stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. His groundbreaking fusion group Shakti, co-founded with guitarist John McLaughlin in 1973, created a revolutionary blend of Indian classical music and Western jazz.
Throughout his five-decade career, Hussain collaborated with diverse artists including George Harrison, Van Morrison, and Yo-Yo Ma. His work extended beyond concerts to film soundtracks, including contributions to "Apocalypse Now" and "Little Buddha."
The master percussionist received numerous honors including India's Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards. In the United States, he was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship.
Despite his global success, Hussain remained deeply connected to his roots. "The moment you think you're a maestro, you are distancing yourself from others," he told Rolling Stone India earlier this year. "You have to be part of a group, and not dominate it."
He is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and sister Khurshid Aulia.
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