Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso renowned for transcending genres and bridging Eastern and Western music traditions, passed away on December 15, 2024, at 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players, Hussain was celebrated for his masterful artistry and innovative collaborations.

[MEDIA=youtube]URmMPYoH2-8[/MEDIA]

A child prodigy, he collaborated with iconic Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar and Shivkumar Sharma, and Western artists including Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin. As a founding member of fusion groups like Shakti and Tabla Beat Science, Hussain pushed the boundaries of traditional music. His achievements included five Grammy awards, a Kyoto Prize, and India’s prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. Beyond performance, he was a mentor and educator, inspiring countless musicians worldwide

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer, two daughters, and three siblings. His loss marks the end of an era in the global music landscape