TAbla Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said on Monday (December 16, 2024). Hussain died of complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family said. He was 73 years old. He was hospitalized for the last two weeks and was later shifted to the ICU as his condition worsened.
Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
In his career spanning six decades, the composer worked with many renowned international and Indian artists, but it was his musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together elements of Indian classical. Until now unknown in jazz fusion.
Here’s a glimpse into the life and legacy of the tabla player who turned a modest instrument into a powerful voice for universal peace and brotherhood.
Photo: K. Ramesh Babu
Tabla wizard Zakir Hussain performs at the People’s Plaza as part of the Beats of India-Yuva Mela in Hyderabad on December 17, 2003.
Photo: V. Srinivasan
Ali Akbar Khan and Zakir Hussain in Arequipa, 1972.
Photo: Special arrangement
Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, L Shankar and Vinayakram formed the Indian fusion band ‘Shakti’.
Photo: PTI
Banaras gharana performer, tabla player, Kisan Maharaj and singer Gangubai Hangal, with Zakir Hussain at the Mumbai Festival.
Photo: Shankar Chakraborty
Ustad Zakir Hussain adjusting an amplifier during a press conference in New Delhi on December 12, 2003.
Photo: Reuters
Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain plays the tabla during a cultural event in the eastern Indian city of Patna on December 19, 2008.
Photo: PTI
Zakir Hussain with sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Photo: Paul Noronha
On January 20, 2005 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain, mandolin scholar U. Srinivas, guitarist John McLaughlin and Kanjira Wizard V. Carnatic vocalist Shankar Mahadevan with Selva Ganesh.
Photo: KV Srinivasan
Tabla player Zakir Hussain and Ghatam maestro Vikku Vinayakram during an interaction in Chennai.
Photo: Reuters
Zakir Hussain accepted the award for Best Global Music Performance for Pashto.
published – December 16, 2024 at 01:28 pm IST