Ustad Zakir Hussain, born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, was a renowned tabla virtuoso and composer. He was the eldest son of Ustad Alla Rakha, a legendary tabla player, and began his formal training under his father's guidance at a young age. By the age of seven, Zakir was performing publicly, and he embarked on his professional career at 12, touring and showcasing his prodigious talent.
In the late 1960s, Zakir moved to the United States, where he collaborated with various Western musicians, significantly contributing to the fusion of Indian classical music with other genres. In 1975, he co-founded the band Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, blending Indian music with jazz elements.
Throughout his career, Zakir received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, recognizing his exceptional contributions to music. In 1992, he won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for "Planet Drum," a collaborative project with Mickey Hart.
Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California, at the age of 73, due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
His legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide, reflecting a life dedicated to the art of tabla and the global promotion of Indian classical music.
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