Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73 in San Francisco

Bhubaneswar: Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, celebrated globally for his unparalleled contributions to music, passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment in the ICU of a San Francisco hospital. He was 73.

Hussain was admitted after experiencing heart-related complications, compounded by blood pressure issues, as confirmed by his close friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia. “He is unwell, and we are all deeply worried,” Chaurasia had said prior to the maestro’s demise. Hussain’s brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia, had also urged fans to pray for his recovery.

A monumental figure in the world of music, Zakir Hussain made history earlier this year at the 66th Grammy Awards, becoming the first Indian to win three awards in a single night. He claimed trophies for Best Global Music Performance, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, and Best Global Music Album. His Grammy journey began in 1992 when he won his first award for Planet Drum, the debut winner in the Best World Music Album category.

Hussain, the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, moved to San Francisco with his family nearly four decades ago. Despite his global presence, he maintained strong ties to India, which honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan earlier this year. He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, the nation’s highest music recognition.

In the United States, Hussain was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship in 1999 by the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest recognition for traditional artists in the country. He was also the first Indian musician to perform at the White House during former President Barack Obama’s tenure, gracing the All-Star Global Concert in 2016.

Beyond his accolades, Hussain was a prolific composer, contributing to film soundtracks and pushing the boundaries of classical and fusion music. In October, he announced the As We Speak India tour, a collaboration with acclaimed musicians Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia, scheduled for January 2025.

The maestro’s sudden demise has left a void in the global music community. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow artists alike, mourning the loss of a legend who bridged cultures and captivated audiences worldwide.