He was admitted to the hospital for the last two weeks and was taken to the ICU after his condition worsened.
Hussain, considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Allah Rakh.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, cherished by countless music lovers around the world, that will influence generations to come,” the statement said.
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 Indian classical and elements. Jazz in a fusion is still unknown.
Starting at the age of seven, he went on to collaborate with almost all the iconic artists of India, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma in his career.
At Yo-Yo, his groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Charles Lloyd, Bla Fleck, Edgar Mayer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience, cementing his status as a global cultural ambassador.
Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
As news of Hussain’s death spread, condolence messages poured in on social media.
Grammy-winning musician Ricky Cage remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, easygoing nature”.
“One of the greatest musicians and personalities that India has ever produced. Besides being great in his own right, Zakirji… was known for being responsible for the careers of many musicians, who are now forced to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure. Skill and knowledge and support And through his actions always shared and encouraged, his legacy will live on forever, and his influence will last for generations, including us soon,” Cage wrote in X.
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all the music you’ve given us”.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi paid tribute to the “irreplaceable legend”.
“The world of music would be lesser without tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans around the world. My prayers, Om Shanti,” she wrote in a post on X.