Zakir Hussain: A singer who broke barriers

The great Indian virtuoso of the tabla, Zakir Hussain, died at 73 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco. Well-known today internationally, he popularized the tabla and performed with leading musicians from many genres where Indian classical merged with jazz and world music. He got four Grammy Awards, the last one was Best Global Music Album in 2024. Born to tabla maestro Alla Rakha, at seven Hussain started performing and touring across the globe. He wrote three concertos and had some rather definite things to say about the social value of music. Hussain who was also an actor and composer has positively transformed the music and its culture.

Legendary Musician: Zakir Hussain was a well-known tabla player, as well as a brilliant percussionist personality and musician who extended the Indian classical genre freely into jazz, fusion, rock, and world music. He was well known as a tabla player, musician, composer for films, Television, and artists and he provided great contributions to Indian and international arts and actors.

Early Life and Musical Training: Coming from such a strict music family, Hussain was the son of tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. He has been singing on the stage since he was seven and was touring internationally by the age of 12.

International Recognition: Hussain would incorporate world music with other artists, working with John McLaughlin, Mickey Hart, Charles Lloyd, and Herbie Hancock to name a few. Virtuoso Sivamani also bagged three Grammy Awards in 2024 and he acted as the first Indian musician who has played in Hollywood movies. 

Impact on Music: Hussain taking his music to the next level beyond the fusion of Indian music. In the jazz and world music, he had a chance to expand the possibilities of the tabla throughout the globe. Some of such works are in the development of concertos introducing a new music band called Shakti, and collaborations with musicians such as Dave Holland, Chris Potter, and Bela Fleck among others.

A Distinctive Star Persona: But then again, Hussain also became a cultural figure. He won the title of the “sexiest man” among the readers of the Indian magazine Gentleman which proves the point that his attractive allure transcended the rim of the tabla head. His personality, charm and star appeal were part of his character.

Famous Endorsements and Appearances: Hussain’s craze reached the industrial envelop and he became a symbol of Taj Mahal Tea in a famous serial TV Ad making “Wah Taj” famous brand in India. He also used to perform in the ‘Mile Sur Mere Tumhara’ song of All India Integration which made him even more household personality.

Legacy and Awards: 

1988 Padma Shri

1990 Indo-American Award

1990 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

1992 Grammy Award

1999 National Heritage Fellowship

2002 Padma Bhushan

2005 Old Dominion Fellow

2006 Kalidas Samman

2006 Grammy Nomination

2007 Modern Drummer and Drum! Magazine Award

2009 Grammy Award

2012 Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Lifetime Achievement Award

2017 SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award

2018 Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow (Academy Ratna)

2022 Honorary Doctor of Law

2022 Kyoto Prize

2023 Padma Vibhushan

2024 66th Annual Grammy Awards

What is Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious, chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual formation of scar tissue in the lungs. The word ‘idiopathic” means that doctors do not know the actual cause of the condition. IPF principally occurs in the later years of life and entails the development of fibrous lung tissue that restricts the proper expansion of congesting lung tissue. That scar tissue limits the ability of the oxygen to diffuse across the lungs and into the bloodstream. In the end, this harms lung function and the patient may develop severe breathlessness. At the moment, there is no treatment for IPF, but the progression of the disease can be slowed, and symptoms can be eased.

Conclusion

Zakir Hussain's remarkable journey as a tabla maestro and global music icon leaves an enduring legacy. His ability to bridge Indian classical music with world genres like jazz and fusion not only elevated the art form but also brought Indian traditions to international prominence. His awards, including multiple Grammy wins, reflect his unparalleled contributions. Though his passing is a profound loss, his music and influence will continue to inspire generations of artists and music lovers across the globe.