Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, a global ambassador of Indian classical music, passed away at 73 in San Francisco on Sunday due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Known for his brilliance, Hussain elevated the modest tabla to a global symbol of India’s rich heritage over his five-decade career.

Hussain, born into a musical lineage, was trained rigorously by his father and legendary tabla exponent Ustad Alla Rakha. His talent was evident early on, debuting at seven and touring globally by his teens. Moving to the U.S. at 20, he taught at the Ali Akbar College of Music and co-founded Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, pioneering the genre of world music. His collaborations with luminaries like George Harrison, Mickey Hart, and Pandit Ravi Shankar expanded the tabla’s horizons, blending tradition with innovation.

Renowned for his dazzling rhythms and expressive artistry, Hussain’s performances, whether in intimate gatherings or global stages, were spiritual experiences. From “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” to Shakti’s trailblazing work, he seamlessly bridged cultures, earning multiple Grammys and India’s Padma Vibhushan.

Hussain’s humility matched his genius. He called music an act of worship, famously recalling his father whispering tabla bols as prayers in his ears as a child. Despite his fame, he remained deeply connected to his roots, evidenced by his poignant role as pallbearer for santoor legend Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma.

A visiting professor at Stanford and Princeton, Hussain mentored countless students, leaving an indelible legacy. His family, including wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Isabella and Anisa, paid tribute, highlighting his commitment to inspiring future generations.

Zakir Hussain’s journey redefined the tabla’s place in music and culture, making it a beacon of unity and innovation. His unparalleled contributions resonate as a timeless rhythm, inspiring and uniting the world through music.

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, a global ambassador of Indian classical music, passed away at 73 in San Francisco on Sunday due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Known for his brilliance, Hussain elevated the modest tabla to a global symbol of India’s rich heritage over his five-decade career.

Hussain, born into a musical lineage, was trained rigorously by his father and legendary tabla exponent Ustad Alla Rakha. His talent was evident early on, debuting at seven and touring globally by his teens. Moving to the U.S. at 20, he taught at the Ali Akbar College of Music and co-founded Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, pioneering the genre of world music. His collaborations with luminaries like George Harrison, Mickey Hart, and Pandit Ravi Shankar expanded the tabla’s horizons, blending tradition with innovation.

Renowned for his dazzling rhythms and expressive artistry, Hussain’s performances, whether in intimate gatherings or global stages, were spiritual experiences. From “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” to Shakti’s trailblazing work, he seamlessly bridged cultures, earning multiple Grammys and India’s Padma Vibhushan.

Hussain’s humility matched his genius. He called music an act of worship, famously recalling his father whispering tabla bols as prayers in his ears as a child. Despite his fame, he remained deeply connected to his roots, evidenced by his poignant role as pallbearer for santoor legend Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma.

A visiting professor at Stanford and Princeton, Hussain mentored countless students, leaving an indelible legacy. His family, including wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Isabella and Anisa, paid tribute, highlighting his commitment to inspiring future generations.

Zakir Hussain’s journey redefined the tabla’s place in music and culture, making it a beacon of unity and innovation. His unparalleled contributions resonate as a timeless rhythm, inspiring and uniting the world through music.