Zakir Hussain, Tabla Player Who Worked with George Harrison and Others, Dead at 73

Zakir Hussain, a musician and teacher, has died at the age of 73. He passed away on Sunday, December 15, from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis according to his family. Hussain was a virtuoso tabla player who worked with artists like George Harrison, Van Morrison, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead.

Videos by American Songwriter

“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians,” Hussain’s family wrote in a statement, per a report from Ultimate Classic Rock. “He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”

Zakir Hussain was born in Mumbai, India, and was a household name in his home country. He helped to bring classical Indian music to the global mainstream through his mastery of percussion and composition. He also collaborated with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, sitar master Ravi Shankar, and jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd.

Zakir Hussain, Percussion Virtuoso, Dies at 73

Zakir Hussain’s father was also a musician—tabla master Alla Rakha Qureshi, often known as Allarakha. As a child prodigy, Hussain performed concerts at seven years old and was touring by 12. He also received a U.S. National Endowment for the Arts in 1999.

The tabla, Hussain and his father’s instrument of choice, often accompanied other percussion instruments. For a long time, the tabla—a pair of drums played by hand—was not widely considered a solo instrument. However, Hussain and his father are praised as some of the biggest musicians to bring the tabla front and center.

Hussain earned seven GRAMMY nominations and won four times. This year, he won Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for As We Speak, Best Global Music Album for This Moment, and Best Global Music Performance for “Pashto.” In 2009, he won Best Contemporary World Music Album for Global Drum Project.

Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife, daughters, brothers, and sister. He passed away at his home in San Francisco, according to his family’s statement.

Featured Image by Bharat Bhushan/Hindustan Times via Getty Images