Zakir Hussain, virtuoso of the tabla instrument and a towering figure in Indian classical music, died on Dec. 15 of chronic lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, at a hospital in San Francisco. He was 73.
“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time,” a statement from his family confirming his death, said.
Hussain was recognized with four Grammy Awards over the course of his career. His first Grammy came in 2009 for Best World Music Album with “Global Drum Project,” a collaboration with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. He added three more Grammys in 2024, for Best Global Music Performance for “Pashto,” Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for “As We Speak” and Best Global Music Album for “This Moment.”
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Widely regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished percussionists, Hussain was instrumental in bringing Indian classical music to international audiences. The eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain was born in Mumbai. He began performing at a young age, accompanying some of India’s greatest musicians, and by 18, he was touring globally, establishing himself as a leading figure in Indian classical and world music.
A pioneer in musical collaboration, Hussain co-founded the fusion group Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin in the mid-1970s, creating a groundbreaking blend of Indian and Western jazz traditions. The group’s influence extended across genres, earning critical acclaim for its innovative approach to music. Hussain also worked with a wide array of artists, including Hart, George Harrison, and Van Morrison.
Hussain’s work extended beyond the concert stage to film and television. He composed music for the Cannes-premiering film “Vanaprastham” and contributed to the soundtracks of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now,” Bernardo Bertolucci’s “Little Buddha” and Merchant Ivory’s “In Custody.”
He also dabbled in acting with credits including “Heat and Dust,” “Saaz” and “Monkey Man.”
In addition to his Grammy wins, Hussain received numerous other accolades, including India’s Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023), some of the nation’s highest civilian honors. In the U.S, he was recognized with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1999.
He is survived by his wife, the Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabella.
“Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss,” posted Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman in tribute.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity,” posted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community.”