Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at a hospital in San Francisco. He was 73. According to his family, Hussain succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after being hospitalized for two weeks. His condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the ICU.

Tributes poured in from across the music world. Classical and bhajan singer Anup Jalota expressed heartfelt grief, saying, “The taal of life feels incomplete today. Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji was not just a tabla maestro but a soul who breathed life into music. His rhythms will echo forever, but his absence leaves a void no one can fill. Rest in eternal peace, Ustad Ji.”

Over a career spanning six decades, Hussain won numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards. Notably, he received three Grammys at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. His collaborations with international and Indian artists brought global recognition to Indian classical music.

One of his most iconic projects was the 1973 fusion album with guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram, which seamlessly blended Indian classical music with jazz—a groundbreaking achievement in world music.

Zakir Hussain leaves behind an unmatched legacy, with his rhythms resonating in the hearts of millions worldwide. His contributions to music will be cherished for generations to come.