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Ustad Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, and is known as one of the finest tabla players in the world. He was also a master percussionist, composer, and educator, he has taken the world of Indian classical music beyond the international level. Hussain has collaborated with global music legends, received prestigious awards like Grammys, the Padma Vibhusan, etc, and contributed to the fusion of Indian classical music.
In this blog, we will explore the life, career, and achievements of musician Ustad Zakir Hussain, with a detailed version of his early life, awards, and global contributions. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- 1 Overview of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Biography
- 2 Early Life and Education of Ustad Zakir Hussain
- 3 Career Highlights of Ustad Zakir Hussain
- 4 Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Grammy Awards and Global Recognition
- 5 Awards and Honors of the Legend
- 6 Famous Works and Legacy
- 7 Personal Life of Zakir Hussain
- 8 Legacy and Impact of Zakir Hussain
- 9 How Did Ustad Zakir Hussain Pass Away?
- 10 FAQs
Overview of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Biography
Born in Mumbai, India, Zakir Hussain Allaraka Qureshi grew up in a musical household under the tutelage of his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, a legendary tabla maestro. Here is an overview of the biography of Ustad Zakir Hussain:
| Full Name | Zakir Hussain Allaraka Qureshi |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1951 |
| Death Date | 15 December 2024 |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, India |
| Profession | Tabla player, Composer, Percussionist, Music Producer |
| Collaborations | Mickey Hart, Giovanni Hidalgo, Vikku Vinayakram, Shakti |
| Major Awards | Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), Padma Vibhushan (2023) |
| Grammys | Four Grammys, including Best Contemporary World Music Album |
| Education | St. Michael’s High School, St. Xavier’s College |
| Spouse | Antonia Minnecola |
| Children | Anisa Qureshi, Isabella Qureshi |
| Famous Works | Global Drum Project, Planet Drum, Shakti, CrossCurrents |
| Books | Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music |
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Early Life and Education of Ustad Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain Allaraka Qureshi, also known and famous as Ustad Zakir Hussain, was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India. lest check out the early life and education of Ustad Zakir Hussain:
- His father, Ustad Alla Rakha, was a legendary tabla player himself, and Zakir Hussain became his disciple as well.
- Hussain comes from a family of musicians. His brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi, are also talented percussionists. Unfortunately, his brother Munawar passed away at a young age.
- Ustad Zakir Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and his manager.
- Together, they have two daughters: Anisa Qureshi, a filmmaker, and Isabella Qureshi.
Education of Musician Ustad Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain displayed prodigious talent from an early age, giving his first professional performance at just 12. Alongside his rigorous training in classical music, he also pursued formal education, which contributed to shaping him into a well-rounded and versatile artist.
Here are the details of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s education:
- Ustad Zakir Hussain attended St. Michael’s High School in Mahim and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
- Despite the strong academic focus, his passion for music was evident from a very young age, and he began performing professionally by the time he was 12 years old.
- Under his father’s mentorship, Hussain mastered the tabla and began his journey towards international fame.
Career Highlights of Ustad Zakir Hussain
Musician Ustad Zakir Hussain’s career started in 1963, and his contribution to the world of music is vast. He became well-known for his work in both classical Indian music and fusion genres, which again brought him into collaboration with global artists.
International Collaborations
Hussain has worked and collaborated with many notable international musicians, such as:
- George Harrison (The Beatles): Contributed to the album Living in the Material World (1973).
- Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead): Collaborated on the Grammy-winning Planet Drum album (1991).
- Earth, Wind & Fire: Performed on their album Powerlight (1983).
- Shakti: A fusion band blending Indian classical music with jazz music.
Also Read: Exploring the Rich Tradition of Gharanas in Indian Classical Music
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Grammy Awards and Global Recognition
Musician Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contributions have earned him five Grammy Awards, including the Best Contemporary World Music Album for Global Drum Project in 2009. His other Grammy wins include those from his collaboration in the albums Planet Drum and CrossCurrents. On 4th February 2024, he became the first Indian musician to win three Grammys in a single year.
| Grammy Awards | Year | Winner For |
| Best Global Music Performance | 2024 | Pashto |
| Best Contemporary Instrumental Album | 2024 | As We Speak |
| Best Instrumental Composition | 2024 | Motion |
| Best World Music Album | 1992 | Planet Drum |
| Best Contemporary World Music Album | 2009 | Global Drum Project |
Awards and Honors of the Legend
Ustad Zakir Hussain has received a host of national and international awards for his contribution to music. Here are some of the most prestigious awards and honours of musician Ustad Zakir Hussain:
| Award | Year | Category |
| Padma Shri | 1988 | For contribution to Indian classical music |
| Padma Bhushan | 2002 | One of India’s highest civilian honours |
| Padma Vibhushan | 2023 | India’s second-highest civilian award |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | 1990 | Recognition for achievements in music |
| Grammy Awards | 1991, 2009, 2024 | Best World Music Album, Best Contemporary World Music Album |
| National Heritage Fellowship | 1999 | USA’s highest honor for traditional artists |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship | 2018 | Lifetime achievement recognition |
Famous Works and Legacy
Zakir Hussain’s influence in music is unparalleled. He is widely recognised as one of the finest percussionists in the world and has elevated the status of the tabla internationally. Nasreen Munni Kabir gathered 15 interviews over 2 years (2016-2017) to write the book “Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music”, published in 2018. The book explores Hussain’s early life, his musical training, and development. Some of the famous works and legacy of musician Ustad Zakir Hussain include –
| Year | Album/Work | Collaborators/Details |
| 1970 | Evening Ragas | Vasant Rai |
| 1971 | Shanti | Solo |
| 1972 | Rolling Thunder | Mickey Hart |
| 1975 | Shakti | Shakti with John McLaughlin |
| 1976 | A Handful of Beauty | Shakti with John McLaughlin |
| 1976 | Diga | Diga Rhythm Band |
| 1991 | Maestro’s Choice Series One | Alla Rakha |
| 1991 | Planet Drum | Mickey Hart |
| 1991 | When Words Disappear | David Trasoff & Zakir Hussain |
| 1992 | The One and Only | Solo |
| 2004 | Live at Miles Davis Hall | Remember Shakti (8 July 2004) |
| 2004 | Raag Chandrakauns | Solo |
| 2006 | Soukha | V. Selvaganesh, John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Vikku, Shrinivas |
| 2007 | Global Drum Project | Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, Imran Hussain, Chandan Sharma, Sikiru Adepoju, Giovanni Hidalgo |
| 2009 | The Melody of Rhythm | Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer |
| 2011 | Venu | Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain |
| 2020 | Is That So? | John McLaughlin, Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain |
| 2023 | As We Speak | Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain, with Rakesh Chaurasia |
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Personal Life of Zakir Hussain
Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and his manager, and they had two daughters, Anisa Qureshi (filmmaker) and Isabella Qureshi. His family life was private but deeply rooted in artistic collaboration.
Legacy and Impact of Zakir Hussain
Hussain redefined the tabla’s role, elevating it from an accompanying instrument to a solo powerhouse. His work with Shakti and global artists introduced Indian rhythms to new audiences, fostering cross-cultural appreciation. His educational efforts, including masterclasses and workshops, inspired countless musicians worldwide.
According to a 2023 report by India Today, Hussain’s performances attracted over 10 million listeners globally, underscoring his universal appeal. His innovative approach to rhythm continues to influence genres like jazz, world music, and fusion.
How Did Ustad Zakir Hussain Pass Away?
On December 15, 2024, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at age 73 in a San Francisco hospital due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a severe lung condition. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his music and teachings.
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary journey as a tabla maestro, composer, and global ambassador of Indian music left an indelible mark on the world. His ability to transcend cultural boundaries and innovate within traditional frameworks ensures his legacy will inspire generations. For more insights into his life, explore Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music or listen to his iconic albums like Planet Drum and As We Speak.
FAQs
Ustad Zakir Hussain is widely regarded as the king of the tabla due to his unparalleled skill and global influence.
Ustad Zakir Hussain is considered great as he introduced the styles of fusion of jazz and world music to the Hindustani gharana. He changed the perspective of Indian rhythm scores.
Ustad Zakir Hussain had many mentors like his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan etc.
Zakir Hussain is a globally celebrated tabla virtuoso known for blending Indian classical music with global genres. A Padma Vibhushan awardee, he has mesmerized audiences worldwide, showcasing India’s rich musical heritage through his unparalleled performances.
Ustad Zakir Hussain is often regarded as a torchbearer of tabla, but the title “Father of Tabla” traditionally goes to Ustad Alla Rakha for popularizing it globally and modernizing its teaching.
Zakir Hussain’s incredible musical journey brought him fame and wealth. Reports suggest his net worth was around $1 million (Rs 8.48 crore). It is also estimated that he earned Rs 5–10 lakh per performance.
Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, passed away due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. He was in a San Francisco hospital at the time. His contributions to music earned him global recognition and numerous prestigious awards.
Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15 at the age of 73. His untimely death resulted from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Interesting Reads
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