Famous Instrument Players in India and Around the World 

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Famous instrument players have made significant contributions to music throughout history, showcasing incredible talent and skill. Popular instrument players such as Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Dr. L. Subramaniam are just a few examples of legendary players who have shaped the world of music. Reading about these great personalities can help improve general knowledge and appreciation for different instruments and their unique sounds. To help you in this educational endeavour, here is a blog on famous instrument players in India and around the world with awards and more details, 

Famous Instrument Players of India

India has produced many legendary musicians who have mastered various traditional instruments. These famous instrument players have not only received national recognition but also international acclaim for their skills. 

Famous Instrument Players of IndiaInstrument Major Awards 
Ustad Bismillah KhanShehnai Padma Shri (1961)
Padma Bhushan (1968)
Padma Vibhushan (1980)
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1994)
Bharat Ratna (2001)
Pandit Ravi ShankarSitar Bharat Ratna (1999)
Grammy Award (1968, 1973, 2002, 2013, and 2014)
Ustad Zakir HussainTabla Grammy Awards (2024 and 2009)
Padma Vibhushan (2023)
Padma Bhushan (2002)
Ustad Amjad Ali KhanSarod Padma Vibhushan (2001)
Sangeet Natak Akademic Award (1989)
Hariprasad ChaurasiaBansuri Padma Vibhushan (2000)
Padma Bhushan (1992)
Sangeet Natak Akademic Award (1983)
Vishwa Mohan BhattMohan veena
(slide guitar)
Padma Shri (2002)
Padma Bhushan (2017)
Sangeet Natak Akademic Award (1998)
Ali Akbar KhanSarod Padma Bhushan (1967)
Padma Vibhushan (1989)
Ustad Alla Rakha QureshiTabla Padma Shri (1977)
Sangeet Natak Akademic Award (1982)
Zia Mohiuddin DagarRudra veena Sangeet Natak Akademic Award (1981)

5 Most Famous Instrument Players in India

1. Ustad Bismillah Khan (1916 – 2006)

Ustad Bismillah Khan, born on March 21, 1916, in Bihar, was a legendary Indian shehnai expert. Raised in a family of court musicians, he learned under his uncle, Ali Baksh. Khan’s performance at the 1937 All-India Music Conference revolutionised the shehnai, elevating it from a ceremonial instrument to a classical one. His music symbolised religious harmony, performing at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies. Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001, Khan’s legacy continues to inspire, marking him as one of India’s greatest musicians.

Ustad Bismillah Khan playing shehnai
Source: Phamox Music | Ustad Bismillah Khan playing shehnai
Particulars Details 
Original name Qamruddin Khan
Born March 21, 1916
Died August 21, 2006

2. Zakir Hussain (1951 -2024)

Zakir Hussain, an iconic tabla expert, gained international acclaim for his work across various music genres, especially jazz and world music. His career soared in the 1970s with over 150 performances annually in the U.S. He gained global recognition after collaborating with Mickey Hart on the Grammy-winning album Planet Drum in 1991. Hussain has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan (2023) and five Grammy Awards, making him the first Indian to win three Grammys in one night in 2024. His contributions span music composition, education, and global outreach.

 Zakir Hussain playing tabla
Source: Free Press Journal | Zakir Hussain playing tabla 
Particulars Details 
Born March 9, 1951
Died December 15, 2024

3. Ravi Shankar (1920 – 2012)

Ravi Shankar, born in 1920 in Varanasi, India, was a famous sitar player and composer. He made Indian classical music popular around the world. Shankar studied music under Ustad Allauddin Khan and toured Europe and America, sharing his music. He worked with famous Western musicians like Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison. Shankar won several Grammy Awards for his music, including one after his death in 2012. He also started music schools in India and the U.S., teaching and inspiring many.

Ravi Shankar playing sitar
Source: Wikipeda | Ravi Shankar playing sitar
Particulars Details 
Full nameRavindra Shankar Chowdhury
Born April 7, 1920
Died December 11, 2012

4. Hariprasad Chaurasia (1938)

Hariprasad Chaurasia, born in 1938 in Allahabad, India, is a renowned fluteist in the Hindustani classical music tradition. He popularized the bansuri, a bamboo flute, through his performances and compositions. Although not born into a musical family, Chaurasia trained under several masters, including Bholanath and Annapurna Devi. He worked with All India Radio and also performed in the film industry. Known for his unique flute style, he won many awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, for his exceptional contribution to music.

Hariprasad Chaurasia playing flute
Source: Wikipedia | Hariprasad Chaurasia playing flute
Particulars Details 
Born July 1, 1938

5. Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (1929-1990)

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (1929-1990) was a renowned Indian musician and a master of the Rudra veena, a traditional instrument he personally designed. He belonged to the esteemed Dagar family, which is known for their expertise in Dhrupad music. Initially, a sitar player, Ustad Zia later became famous for his deep, soulful renditions on the Rudra veena. His contributions to Indian classical music, including performances and recordings, brought global recognition to Dhrupad, influencing many musicians worldwide.

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar playing Veena
Source: Country & Eastern | Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar playing Veena
Particulars Details 
Born 1929
Died 1990

Famous Instrument Players in the World

The world is home to many famous instrument players, showcasing their skills alongside their primary professions. Here’s a look at some famous instrument players from around the globe and the instruments they are known for.

Famous Instrument Players of IndiaInstrument 
Albert EinsteinViolin 
Dr. L. SubramaniamViolin 
Neil Alden ArmstrongBaritone horn
Cat DeeleyClarinet 
Donald ByrdTrumpet 
Emily BluntCello 
Ewan McGregorFrench horn
James CordenCornet 
Joshua BellStradivarius violin

1. Albert Einstein

Apart from being a renowned physicist, Albert Einstein was also an avid musician, with a particular love for the violin. He discovered his passion for music at age 13, and it became an integral part of his life. Mozart and Bach were his favourite composers, whose music mirrored the clarity and simplicity Einstein sought in his theories. Music was not just a hobby for him; it was central to his thinking process. Einstein once said, “If I weren’t a scientist, I would certainly have been a musician.”

Albert Einstein
Source: Wikipedia/ Picture of Albert Einstein
Particulars Details 
Born March 14, 1879
Died April 18, 1955

2. Dr. L. Subramaniam

Dr. L. Subramaniam, a global violin icon, is renowned for his mastery of South Indian classical music and violin. With a career spanning over 65 years, he has performed worldwide, collaborating with legendary artists like George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, and A.R. Rahman. A child prodigy, he earned accolades early, including the “Violin Chakravarti” title. Dr. Subramaniam has also pioneered global fusion music, blending Indian and Western styles, and founded the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival, celebrating diverse musical encounters.

Dr. L. Subramaniam
Source: Wikipedia/ Picture of Dr. L. Subramaniam
Particulars Details 
Born July 23, 1947
Also known asThe God of Indian Violin

3. Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, was a well-rounded individual with a passion for both science and music. A gifted student, he excelled in mathematics and science, forming a jazz band in high school and playing the baritone horn. At Purdue University, he co-directed the musical La Fing Stock and played in the All-American Marching Band. Armstrong’s dedication to arts and engineering, alongside his Eagle Scout status, highlighted his diverse talents, earning him a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Neil Armstrong
Source: Wikipedia/ Picture of Neil Armstrong
Particulars Details 
Full name Neil Alden Armstrong
Born August 5, 1930
Died August 25, 2012 

4. Donald Byrd

Donald Byrd was a famous jazz musician and educator, known for his work with African-American colleges and universities. Growing up in Detroit, he learned music in high school and later earned degrees from Wayne State University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Colorado. Byrd played in the Air Force band and worked with top jazz musicians. He also taught at several universities and created the pop-jazz band Donald Byrd & the Blackbyrds, which had a hit record.

Particulars Details 
Born December 9, 1932
Died February 4, 2013

5. Emily Blunt 

Emily Blunt, born on February 23, 1983, is a British-American actress known for her roles in films like The Devil Wears Prada (2006), The Young Victoria (2009), Sicario (2015), and Oppenheimer (2023). She overcame a stammer in childhood and developed an interest in acting and music, playing the cello. Blunt starred in various movies and TV series, earning a Golden Globe Award. She is also known for her role in A Quiet Place and Mary Poppins Returns (2018).

Emily Blunt
Source: IMDb/ Picture of Emily Blunt
Particulars Details 
Born 23 February 1983

FAQs

What famous people play an instrument?

Many famous people play instruments, such as Albert Einstein (violin), Taylor Swift (guitar), and Adele (piano).

Who is the most famous musical instrument player in India?

Ravi Shankar is one of India’s most famous musicians, known worldwide for playing the sitar. His contributions popularized Indian classical music globally and inspired many musicians.

What are the top 10 hardest instruments?

The top 10 hardest instruments include violin, French horn, oboe, piano, drums, guitar, bagpipes, harp, accordion, and organ. Mastering these instruments requires dedication, practice, and skill.

Who is the king of instruments?

Many people consider the pipe organ the “king of instruments” due to its majestic sound, complexity, and ability to fill large spaces with powerful music.

Why is the Piano Called “The King of Instruments”?

For some people, the piano is the king of instruments. It can be because of its incredible tonal range and versatility, allowing pianists to play everything from delicate melodies to powerful symphonies.

What is the number 1 instrument in the world?

The piano is one of the most popular instruments globally, admired for its versatility and timeless appeal. Many people dream of learning to play it.

Can Zayn Malik play instruments?

Yes, Zayn Malik can play instruments like guitar and piano. 

What is the world’s rarest instrument?

The hydraulophone, a water-based instrument, is considered one of the rarest in the world. Its unique design produces sound by moving water through tubes.

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Hope you enjoyed reading about the famous instrument players. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!

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