Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, Music Legend, Dies At 73
Zakir Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away early Monday morning in San Francisco at the age of 73. The legendary musician died due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at 5:12 am, surrounded by his family and loved ones at UCSF Parnassus.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola; daughters Anisa Qureshi, who is married to Taylor Phillips and has a daughter named Zara, and Isabella Qureshi; his brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi; and his sister, Khurshid Aulia. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed their gratitude for the support of fans worldwide.
A family representative confirmed the news, stating, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come. His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians.”
The tabla virtuoso, who had been hospitalized last week, remained in critical condition until his passing. While news outlets had prematurely reported his death on Sunday night, his sister Khurshid had confirmed to mid-day that he was still alive until early Monday morning.
Zakir Hussain was one of the most influential figures in contemporary world music, known for his unparalleled mastery of rhythm. He played a pivotal role in bridging cultures and connecting musical genres, collaborating with artists such as George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Van Morrison, Joe Henderson, and many others. Hussain was also involved in historic musical projects like Shakti (which he co-founded with John McLaughlin and L. Shankar), Planet Drum with Mickey Hart, Remember Shakti, and Tabla Beat Science.
Throughout his career, Hussain received numerous accolades for his global impact, including the prestigious Kyoto Prize in 2022, recognizing his contributions to the cultural and spiritual betterment of humanity. In India, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship, a lifetime achievement honor awarded to only 40 artists at a time.
His legacy, both as a musician and mentor, will continue to inspire generations of artists and music lovers around the world.
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