The tabla fell silent as Ustad Zakir Hussain, one of the greatest players of the Indian drums known for his ‘dancing fingers’, died at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital on Monday. The tabla maestro was suffering from complications due to a chronic lung disease, his family said in a statement.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement read.
Zakir Hussain had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.
According to his sister, Khurshid Aulia, the music legend passed away “very peacefully”.
Zakir Hussain is the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha.
A child prodigy, the tabla virtuoso began his professional career at the age of 12 accompanying Indian classical musicians. By the age of 18, he was touring internationally, winning acclaim for his accompaniment, dazzling solo performances, and pioneering collaborative work with world musicians that elevated the status of the tabla in India and across the world.
He has collaborated with well-known musicians such as George Harrison, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and jazz musician Herbie Hancock.
Zakir Hussain was also nominated for seven Grammy awards and has won four. He has also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest honour for artists.
