Zakir Hussain, a renowned tabla virtuoso who seamlessly merged traditional North Indian classical music with global influences, has passed away at 73. Born on March 9, 1951, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Hussain’s career spanned over five decades, during which he became one of the most influential musicians in his genre.
Hussain began playing drums and pots and pans as a young child under the guidance of his father, Ravi Shankar. He officially joined his father as a student at age 7 and studied Indian classical music for three hours every day. This rigorous training laid the foundation for his future success.
As a session musician, Hussain worked on numerous Indian film soundtracks, incorporating international styles. At 18, he made his US debut playing with Ravi Shankar at the iconic Fillmore East in New York. Later, he joined jam sessions with the Grateful Dead and recorded with Mickey Hart, a fellow percussionist.
Hussain’s academic background included studying ethnomusicology at the University of Washington, where he earned a Ph.D. He taught music and led various ensembles, including the Tal Vadya Rhythm Band. Throughout his career, Hussain collaborated with numerous musicians from diverse backgrounds, creating innovative fusions that transcended cultural boundaries.
In 1991, he founded Moment Records to release classical and contemporary collaborations. The producer Bill Laswell joined him in forming Tabla Beat Science, a project merging tabla drumming with electronics. This partnership led to studio albums and international tours.
Hussain’s philosophy on music emphasized its power as a universal language, capable of bridging cultural divides. He believed that by interacting with musicians from different backgrounds, we can create a more peaceful world.
Zakir Hussain’s legacy will be remembered for his groundbreaking work in fusing traditional Indian classical music with global influences, leaving behind a remarkable discography and inspiring future generations of musicians.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/15/arts/music/zakir-hussain-dead.html