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Son of Ustad Alla Rakha, one of India’s greatest tabla maestros, Zakir Ussain was introduced to percussion at the tender age of three.
Zakir Hussain died at San Francisco hospital on December 16.
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The world bid farewell to one of the biggest musical legends from India Ustad Zakir Hussain on December 16. Hussain, 73, died in San Francisco following complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His life was a melody of unparalleled skill, creativity, and global impact. While Hussain’s contributions to music are widely celebrated, here are five lesser-known aspects of his life that make his story even more remarkable.
A Musical Legacy from the Cradle
Zakir Hussain’s musical journey began in a home steeped in rhythm and melody. Son of Ustad Alla Rakha, one of India’s greatest tabla maestros, Zakir was introduced to percussion at the tender age of three. Under his father’s meticulous guidance, he began with the pakhawaj before mastering the tabla.
By the time he was seven, Zakir had already performed his first concert. At 11, he embarked on international tours, mesmerising audiences worldwide. Hussain’s childhood achievements set the stage for a career that would carry his family’s legacy to unimaginable heights while redefining the global perception of Indian classical music.
A White House Invitation by Barack Obama
Breaking cultural barriers, Zakir Hussain became the first Indian musician to be invited to the White House. Former U.S. President Barack Obama extended the honour, recognizing Zakir’s immense contribution to the global music landscape. He performed at the prestigious All-Star Global Concert, a rare acknowledgement of his role as a cultural ambassador who brought Indian classical music to the world stage.
A Night of Unmatched Triumph at the Grammys
Zakir Hussain’s musical prowess was recognised in an unprecedented way when he became the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night.
Adding to his accolades, Zakir became the youngest percussionist to receive the Padma Shri in 1988, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2002. These civilian honours reflected not just his technical brilliance but also his role in popularising Indian music across the globe.
Collaborations That Changed Music Forever
Zakir Hussain was a pioneer in merging musical traditions. In the 1970s, he co-founded the iconic band Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, blending Indian classical music with jazz. This groundbreaking fusion introduced a new wave of world music, inspiring countless artists.
As a member of the rhythm ensemble Planet Drum alongside Mickey Hart, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Sikiru Adepoju, Zakir expanded the possibilities of percussion. His collaborations consistently pushed boundaries, proving that music knows no borders.
Pandit Ravi Shankar’s Support
Zakir Hussain’s career received a pivotal boost thanks to Pandit Ravi Shankar. Recognising Hussain’s extraordinary talent, Shankar recommended him for a teaching position at the University of Washington in Seattle. This opportunity allowed Zakir to spread his knowledge of Indian percussion to a global audience, nurturing a deeper appreciation for Indian classical music worldwide.
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