Zakir Hussain, Tabla Virtuoso Who Joined Rock Greats, Dead at 73

Zakir Hussain, a virtuoso tabla participant who collaborated with the likes of George Harrison, Van Morrison and the Grateful Lifeless’s Mickey Hart, died on Sunday on the age of 73.

In a press release, Hussain household famous his explanation for dying was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

“His prolific work as a instructor, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on numerous musicians,” the household wrote. “He hoped to encourage the subsequent era to go additional. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of many biggest musicians of all time.”

Born in Mumbai, India on March 9, 1951, Zakir was raised in a musical family. His father, Alla Rakha, was additionally a revered tabla participant, and he taught Hussain how one can play the hand drum instrument when he was simply 7 years outdated.

By 19, Hussain was such a prodigious expertise that he grew to become widespread past conventional Indian audiences. In 1970, he headed to America, the place he spent the subsequent a number of years collaborating with a few of rock’s greatest stars.

Who Did Zakir Hussain Work With?

Harrison recruited him to play on 1973’s Residing within the Materials World, although Hussaain initially hoped to play drums on the LP.

“George checked out me and mentioned ‘You might be right here as a result of you could have one thing distinctive to supply. If you wish to play drums, that is superb. However then you’ll be part of the 5,000 different drummers who’re ready in line to play with me and you’ll have to work your means as much as get right here,’” Hussain recalled to The Nationwide in 2022. “That was the day I dropped the concept of desirous to be a rock drummer and give attention to making my instrument communicate all of the languages of rhythm that exists on this planet. I am unable to thank George sufficient for straightening me out.”

Six years later the musician was featured on Morrison’s 1979 LP Into the Music, acting on the songs “Brilliant Aspect of the Highway” and “Steppin’ Out Queen”. Hussain’s additional credit included work with Earth, Wind & Fireplace, jazz saxophonist John Helpful and contributions to movement image soundtracks, together with these for Apocalypse Now (1979) and Little Buddha (1993).

Hussain additionally grew to become good mates with Hart, the Grateful Lifeless’s drummer. The 2 musicians collaborated on a complete of seven studio albums collectively, together with 1991’s Planet Drum, which gained a Grammy for Greatest International Music Album within the first 12 months of the class’s existence. In complete, Hussain gained 4 Grammys throughout his impactful profession.