Indian music legend Zakir Hussain dies aged 73
Al Jazeera
Tabla player brought Indian classical music to the world, collaborating with greats like former Beatle George Harrison.
Legendary Indian musician Zakir Hussain, considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, has died.
Hussain, known for his “dancing fingers”, died on Sunday from complications arising from a chronic lung disease at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said in a statement.
Born in Mumbai, the 73-year-old was the world’s best-known exponent of the tabla drums, the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music.
“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians,” said his family, adding that he had hoped to inspire the next generations of tabla players.
Hussain was taught to play the instrument at the age of 12 by his father, the renowned tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha.
