Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73. The esteemed composer breathed his last in a San Francisco hospital on Sunday, December 15.
Earlier in the day, he was admitted to the ICU due to heart-related issues, as reported by Zee News.
Hussain was a legendary figure in both Indian and global music, known for his extraordinary contributions to Indian classical music and world music.
Key Highlights of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Life:
Early Life: Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, he was the eldest son of the iconic tabla player Allah Rakha.
Career: Hussain began his tabla training at the age of seven and was already performing across India by the age of 12. He collaborated with numerous renowned international and Indian artists, bringing Indian classical music to global stages4.
Awards: Throughout his illustrious career, he received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He also won five Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year1.
Legacy: Hussain’s work in fusing Indian classical music with elements of jazz and other genres has left an indelible mark on the music world2.
His passing is a significant loss to the music community, and his legacy will continue to inspire musicians and music lovers worldwide.
