Indian music legend Zakir Hussain passes away at the age of 73.

 The tabla player brought Indian classical music to a global audience, collaborating with icons such as former Beatle George Harrison.

Indian musician Zakir Hussain, considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, has died in a San Francisco hospital [AP Photo]

Legendary Indian musician Zakir Hussain, regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, has passed away. 

Hussain, celebrated for his "dancing fingers," died on Sunday in a San Francisco hospital due to complications from a chronic lung disease, according to a statement from his family.

Born in Mumbai, the 73-year-old was the world's foremost exponent of the tabla, the primary percussion instrument in Indian classical music.  

“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians,” his family stated, noting his desire to inspire future generations of tabla players.  

Hussain began learning the instrument at age 12 from his father, the celebrated tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha.  

In a widely shared interview, he recalled his father welcoming him into the world by speaking tabla rhythms into his ears.

“The tradition was for the father to recite a prayer into the baby’s ear... So, he took me in his arms, put his lips to my ear, and recited tabla rhythms to me,” Hussain recalled.

A child prodigy, the musician began touring by age 12 and performed alongside India’s classical music legends during his teenage years.  

By 18, he had gained international recognition for his captivating solo performances, collaborating with music icons such as former Beatle George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  

In 1973, Hussain co-founded the Indian jazz fusion band “Shakti” with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, creating acoustic fusion music that blended Indian music with jazz elements, introducing a fresh sound to Western audiences.  

In 2024, he became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in a single year; he had previously won a Grammy in 2009.  

In 2023, Hussain was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.  

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.