India’s iconic classical musician Zakir Hussain has passed away on Sunday, aged 73, due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. A renowned exponent of the tabla, a pair of hand drums that is central to Indian classical music, Hussain left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain was taught by his father Ustad Alla Rakha at the age of 7 and began performing alongside India’s classical music legends as a child prodigy. He formed the influential jazz fusion band “Shakti” with John McLaughlin in 1973, introducing Indian music to Western audiences.
Hussain’s accolades include winning three Grammy awards in 2024 for his album, becoming the first musician from India to achieve this feat. He also received the Padma Vibhushan award in 2023, India’s second-highest civilian honor. Throughout his six-decade career, Hussain collaborated with prominent musicians like George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/16/india/india-musician-zakir-hussain-dies-at-73-intl-hnk/index.html