Trigger warning: This article mentions the death of a person.
On Monday, December 16, 2024, the world lost a music legend. Revered tabla expert Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at the age of 73 after battling cardiovascular health issues. Known for his unmatched talent and unprecedented contribution to world music, his legacy continues to inspire. Here are 5 lesser known facts about this musical genius that will forever change the way you remember him.
1. Born into a legacy of musical talent, Zakir Hussain is the son of renowned tabla player and sitar icon Ravi Shankar’s collaborator Ustad Alla Rakha. Under the tutelage of his father, he started learning to play percussion with Pakhawaj at the age of three.
At the age of seven, he performed his first concert, and by the age of 11, he was touring internationally, mesmerizing audiences with his extraordinary talent and honoring and expanding his father’s legacy. While doing this he was paving the way for global praise.
2. Zakir achieved a historic feat as the first Indian musician invited to the White House by former US President Barack Obama. His invitation was to the prestigious All-Star Global Concert, a testament to his global influence and recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the world of music.
3. The renowned tabla player created history as the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night, showcasing his unmatched talent and global praise. His incredible achievements also include becoming the youngest percussionist to receive the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 1988, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2002.
4. Zakir Hussain has been a pioneer in the global music scene, collaborating with renowned artists to create groundbreaking work. He was a member of the rhythm group Planet Drum along with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo.
In the 1970s, he co-founded the iconic band Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, setting a new frontier in world music style by fusing Indian classical music with jazz, inspiring generations of musicians.
5. Pandit Ravi Shankar, a great figure of Indian classical music, played an important role in shaping Zakir’s career. Recognizing his exceptional talent and expertise, Shankar recommended Hussain for the post of music teacher at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA. This opportunity not only helped Zakir broaden his horizons as a musician, but also allowed him to share his knowledge of Indian percussion with a global audience.
Zakir Hussain may have left us, but his influence is immortal. These 5 incredible facts only scratch the surface of his monumental legacy. His passion, innovation and influence on music will continue to be a beacon for artists and fans alike, ensuring that his rhythms will continue to resonate through time.
Also read: Famous tabla player Zakir Hussain passes away at the age of 73, family confirms
