Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Mourns Zakir Hussain: ‘Words Fail Me, I Am Completely Devastated’
Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away at 73, was remembered with heartfelt tributes, including an emotional homage by sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, widely regarded as one of the greatest percussionists in history, has passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco, leaving an unparalleled legacy in the world of music. The tabla virtuoso succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed through Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR. His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from fans, artists, and fellow musicians around the globe.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and admiration for Hussain, whose artistry transcended cultural and musical boundaries. Among the many to pay tribute was legendary sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, a longtime collaborator and friend. Sharing nostalgic photos of their iconic performances together, Khan expressed his heartbreak on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing, “Words fail me. I am completely devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon, one of the most loved musicians the world has ever known."
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Words fail me at this point. I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw. pic.twitter.com/QOJG7GrzvV— Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) December 16, 2024
Khan reflected on their shared musical journey, describing their collaborations as a perfect confluence of sarod and tabla, resulting in some of the most unforgettable moments in Indian classical music history.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain inherited his musical genius from his father, the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. He began performing as a teenager, captivating audiences with his technical brilliance and emotional depth. Hussain’s artistry revolutionized the role of the tabla, elevating it from a supporting instrument to a star of the stage.
A pioneer of musical fusion, Hussain seamlessly blended Indian classical music with global genres, earning worldwide recognition. His collaborations with Indian legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan are milestones in classical music. However, his ventures with international icons truly set him apart.
As a founding member of Shakti with John McLaughlin and a key contributor to the Grammy-winning Planet Drum project with Mickey Hart, Hussain redefined world music, breaking down cultural and musical barriers. His innovative approach to rhythm and his ability to converse musically with diverse traditions cemented his place as a global ambassador for Indian music.
Over his illustrious career, Zakir Hussain was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002), as well as four Grammy Awards for his groundbreaking contributions to world music. His artistry was also recognized with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the National Heritage Fellowship in the United States, the highest recognition for traditional artists.
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