Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain dies at 73 in San Francisco
Zakir Hussain, the renowned tabla maestro, passed away at 73 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco. He was celebrated for transforming the tabla's identity through collaborations across genres, including jazz and classical music. Hussain, a child prodigy, began performing at age seven and moved to the U.S. in 1970. He won three Grammy Awards in 2024, becoming the first Indian musician to achieve this feat, and was known for his work with the fusion group Shakti. He leaves behind a legacy of over 60 years in music, numerous awards, and a family. Hussain was also a popular figure in Indian media, known for his charm and memorable advertisements, including the famous Taj Mahal Tea commercial.