Zakir Hussain, an acclaimed tabla virtuoso revered for his collaborations with iconic artists such as George Harrison, Van Morrison, and Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73. His exceptional talent and unique style transcended cultural boundaries, establishing him as a leading figure in world music.

In an official statement, the Hussain family shared that he succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease that affects breathing. His legacy extends beyond his remarkable performances; he was a dedicated teacher and mentor, inspiring countless musicians to pursue their passions. The family emphasized, “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.”

Born in Mumbai, India, on March 9, 1951, Zakir was immersed in music from a young age, growing up in a household where tabla was celebrated. His father, Alla Rakha, a legendary tabla player himself, introduced Hussain to the intricacies of this hand drum when he was only 7 years old, laying the foundation for his future success.

By the age of 19, Hussain had already made a name for himself, captivating audiences far beyond traditional Indian music circles. In 1970, he took a significant step in his career by moving to America, where he spent several transformative years collaborating with some of the biggest names in rock music and expanding his artistic horizons.

Exploring Zakir Hussain’s Collaborative Musical Journey

Harrison invited Hussain to contribute to the 1973 album Living in the Material World, although Hussain initially aspired to play drums on this project. Hussain recounted, “George looked at me and said, ‘You are here because you have something unique to offer.’ If I wanted to play drums, I would have to compete with thousands of others. This was the pivotal moment when I realized I needed to focus on making my instrument express a plethora of rhythms from around the globe.” He expressed immense gratitude towards Harrison for guiding him in this transformative direction.

Six years later, Hussain appeared on Van Morrison’s 1979 album Into the Music, contributing to the tracks “Bright Side of the Road” and “Steppin’ Out Queen”. His diverse portfolio also includes collaborations with renowned bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as notable jazz saxophonist John Handy. He lent his remarkable talents to several film soundtracks, including Apocalypse Now (1979) and Little Buddha (1993), showcasing the versatility of his musical abilities.

Additionally, Hussain formed a close friendship with Mickey Hart, the drummer for the Grateful Dead. Their partnership resulted in seven studio albums, notably the Grammy-winning Planet Drum in 1991, recognized as Best Global Music Album in the inaugural year of this category. Throughout his illustrious career, Hussain garnered a total of four Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as a powerhouse in the music industry.