Contents
Zakir Hussain
Making tabla a leading voice in Indian classical music and international musical collaboration.
Shakti with John McLaughlin · Planet Drum
- Born
- 9 March 1951
- Birthplace
- Mumbai, India
- Died
- 15 December 2024
More people
Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain was an Indian tabla virtuoso whose work ranged from Hindustani classical accompaniment to the cross-cultural ensembles Shakti and Planet Drum.
Early life
Alla Rakha’s son
Learned tabla from his father, the celebrated percussionist Alla Rakha.
Early performer
Began performing as a child and developed a touring career while still young.
Career
- 1970s
International base
Established an international performing life and helped form Shakti with John McLaughlin and other musicians.
- 1990s
Percussion collaborations
Worked with Mickey Hart and musicians from several traditions on Planet Drum.
- 2024
Late recognition
Won three Grammy Awards in one ceremony for work with Shakti and other collaborators.
Selected work
Shakti with John McLaughlin
A live album documenting the group’s combination of Indian music and jazz improvisation.
Planet Drum
A percussion collaboration that won the first Grammy awarded for Best World Music Album.
This Moment
Shakti’s studio return won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album.
Beyond work
Musical family
His brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi also pursued percussion careers.
Dance partnership
Married Kathak dancer and teacher Antonia Minnecola, with whom he had two daughters.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Grammy award record ↗Photo: Krupasindhu Muduli. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
