Zakir Hussain, the renowned classical musician and Grammy winner, has passed away at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital.
He succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a chronic lung disease.
His family shared in a statement on Monday (16.12.24): “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.”
Born in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was recognized as one of the greatest Tabla players of all time, following in the footsteps of his father, the Tabla pioneer Alla Rakha.
He collaborated with music legends such as George Harrison and Van Morrison, and was a key member of the fusion group Shakti in the 1970s, blending Western and Indian jazz styles with guitarist John McLaughlin.
Throughout his career, Zakir Hussain received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards. His contributions to music were celebrated, with his achievements ranging from Best World Music Album for ‘Global Drum Project’ in 2009 to three additional Grammy wins just months before his passing: Best Global Music Performance for ‘Pashto’, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for ‘As We Speak’, and Best Global Music Album.
Zakir was also awarded the Government of India’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990.
And, in 1999, he received the United States National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship.
Zakir Hussain played on George Harrison’s 1973 album ‘Living in the Material World’. He also performed on Van Morrison’s 1979 album ‘Into the Music’ and Earth, Wind and Fire’s 1983 LP ‘Powerlight’.
As a composer, he had music featured in movies such as Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Apocalypse Now’, Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘Little Buddha’ and Merchant Ivory’s ‘In Custody’.
The multi-faceted star dipped his toe into acting as well, with roles in ‘Heat and Dust’, ‘Saaz’ and ‘Monkey Man’.