Fri Dec 20 07:21:10 UTC 2024: ## Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73
**San Francisco, USA** – Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most accomplished percussionists, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at a San Francisco hospital at the age of 73 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was laid to rest on Thursday, December 19th, at Fernwood Cemetery in San Francisco, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects.
A moving tribute was performed by fellow percussionist A. Sivamani and other musicians, who played drums at a distance from the gravesite. Sivamani, visibly emotional, shared his grief, stating, “Rhythm is God, that is you Zakir bhai. I learned a lot in our journey… Every time I hit the rhythm, you are there.”
Hussain, son of legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, revolutionized the instrument, transcending classical boundaries to explore jazz and Western classical music. His six-decade career garnered him four Grammy Awards, including three this year at the 66th Grammy Awards. He was also the recipient of India’s highest civilian awards: the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023).
His groundbreaking 1973 collaboration with John McLaughlin, L. Shankar, and T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram fused Indian classical music with jazz, creating a unique musical experience. Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.
Tributes poured in from around the world, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him a “true genius” and Grammy winner Ricky Kej praising his humility and influence on the music community. Hussain’s legacy as a pioneering musician and mentor will continue to inspire generations.
First Piper 