ZAKIR HUSSAIN has died at the age of 73, reports Music-News.com. The Grammy-winning classical musician – who collaborated with late Beatle George Harrison and Van Morrison – passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a chronic lung disease at a hospital in San Francisco.
His family shared in a statement on Monday (16.12.24): “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”
Born in Mumbai, the Indian musician was regarded as one of the greatest Tabla players of all time, and was the son of Tabla pioneer Alla Rakha, who played Hindustani classical music. He was known for weaving together Western and Indian jazz styles as part of the ’70s fusion group SHAKTI with guitarist John McLaughlin.