Zakir Hussain, legendary tabla maestro, dies at 73 in San Francisco

Zakir Hussain, the famous tabla player, passed away at 73 in San Francisco. He began performing at age seven and had a career spanning over six decades, known for his energetic performances and collaborations across genres. Hussain often spoke about the importance of feeling nervous before performances, likening it to the pressure faced by the Indian cricket team at home. He believed that this nervousness kept him focused and grounded in his craft. He won three Grammy Awards and was a founding member of the fusion group Shakti. Hussain played a key role in popularizing the tabla, transforming it from an accompaniment in Indian classical music to a leading instrument in its own right.