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Zakir Hussain
1951 - 2024
Zakir Hussain
1951 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1951
DIED
2024
Zakir Hussain Obituary
Zakir Hussain was an icon of Indian classical music and world fusion, widely considered one of the world's greatest tabla players.
We invite you to share condolences for Zakir Hussain in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)
9 Entries
Shamim Formoso
January 5, 2025
To Toni, the family, and all of Zakir´s fans and followeers, my heart aches for you and with you. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Saab was instrumental for me to meet Zakir in 1969 the very first time in Mumbai at Khan Saab´s house in Colaba. Being of the same age as Zakir, after the elders retreated, a number of us youngsters would gather at Taj hotel where Zakir would entertain us with his skills and humor. I was fortunate to remain in contact with him when I moved to California a few years later with my family in 1978. In the span of 55 years of my first meeting to now, I´m in awe with how many lives he has touched so deeply and profoundly as a fine human being and as an artist of the highest caliber. May we all cherish the specialness he brought this world.
N P
January 4, 2025
I am so surprised and saddened by this. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend his concerts several times over the years at the Chicago Symphony Hall and most recently at the Chicago Pritzker Pavilion in July 2024. For some reason, his passing seems so personal. Thank you Ustadji for bringing immeasurable joy to so many of us with your incredible music. May your soul rest in peace.
NP
January 4, 2025
I am so surprised and saddened by this. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend his concerts several times over the years at the Chicago Symphony Hall and most recently at the Chicago Pritzker Pavilion in July 2024. For some reason, his passing seems so personal. Thank you Ustadji for bringing immeasurable joy to so many of us with your incredible music. May your soul rest in peace.
Bruce Rash
December 30, 2024
Such an amazing talent. Saw him with Shakti on their first tour in the 70´s and the joy with which he played was infectious. Happy Trails Maestro!
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Manoj Aggarwal
December 19, 2024
Ustadji I was shocked and suprised to hear of your passing away. I first saw your perform at the Shamakunanda Hall in Bombay, in a historic jugalbandi with Shri Ravi Shanker, Allah Rakha, and Ali Akbar Khan. The next peformance was a Shakti concert opposite my school in Cooperage Mumbai. From there I have watched you perform with some of the greats of Indian Classical music such as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Birju Maharaj, Vilayat Khan, Bhimshin Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Shivkumar Sharma. In addition I was thrilled to see your perform at SF at Stern Grove in 2001, and also at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and ofocurse your numerous concerts in UC Berkeley. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. You truly embody the universality of music and its ability to unite and bring joy to people. Om Shanti!
Elizabeth Chalier-Visuvalingam
December 19, 2024
Thank you Zakir Husain Ji. I had the opportunity to listen to you in Banaras, India with AllaRakha and Ravi Shankar it was long time ago when I was student. Then I listen to you in France where I am from and in Chicago where I am now. I have learnt a lot during your interview with Pandit Arvind Parekh. Thank you so much.E.CH.V
Sherry Gayle Phillips
December 18, 2024
You will live on in our my memories hearts and music not A day goes by that I do not listen to your music.You were called home way to soon.I will continue loving you and your music and the tabla.RIP Zakir Hussain fly high AngelSherry Phillips
RB
December 18, 2024
A great tabla musician, one of the best. He worked with other notable musicians of different genres to create amazing music. Sincere condolences to the Hussain family. May God grant peace and strength to you all.
Nancy Farzan
December 17, 2024
I was a lucky teenager who was able to witness and soak in his love and gift for tabla and music. Although my journey changed, I forever am grateful and carry the rhythms in my heart. RIP Zakir, your talent, and down home sense of humor will be missed forever
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