Indian classical music icon Zakir Hussain has died at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A four-time Grammy award winner and recipient of India’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, Hussain transformed the tabla into a globally loved solo instrument. Tributes have poured in from artists and world leaders, praising his groundbreaking work and impact on music.
Born in Mumbai in 1951, Hussain began training under his father at a young age and was performing in concerts by seven. He went on to collaborate with renowned musicians like George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma, earning him international recognition. As a teenager, he performed over 150 concerts a year, both domestically and internationally.
Throughout his career, Hussain received numerous accolades, including seven Grammy nominations and four wins. Despite his global popularity, he remained humble, stating that music’s appeal lay beyond individual artists. His biographer noted that in his later years, Hussain became one of the most sought-after accompanists to top Hindustani classical musicians.
Hussain’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from around the world, with many hailing him as a true genius and icon who revolutionized Indian classical music.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2exzm9r043o