Indian Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Dies At 73 In US Due To Heart Problems
Zakir Hussain had been admitted to a San Francisco hospital earlier last week after experiencing severe health issues!
The world of music is mourning the loss of Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most revered classical musicians, who passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco, USA. The legendary tabla maestro succumbed to heart-related complications on Sunday, December 15, leaving an irreplaceable void in the global music landscape.
Zakir Hussain Passes Away
Zakir Hussain had been admitted to a San Francisco hospital earlier last week after experiencing severe health issues. His condition was reported as critical, and he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. Despite efforts by medical professionals, the maestro’s battle with heart problems ended tragically. Close friend and fellow musician, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, confirmed the devastating news.
The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us. I was privileged to know him because of his connection with HMV and hear him perform at our home. His beats will echo… pic.twitter.com/TJ5aaLbsqZ
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) December 15, 2024
A pioneer in the field of Indian classical and fusion music, Zakir Hussain’s influence extended far beyond national boundaries. Renowned for his unparalleled mastery of the tabla, Hussain played a pivotal role in introducing Indian percussion to international audiences. His collaborations with global music icons like John McLaughlin, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison made him a trailblazer in the world of fusion music.
The son of legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain inherited his musical genius and built upon it to create a unique identity of his own. Over his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards and some of India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan earlier this year in 2023.
First Published: December 15, 2024 10:15 PM
