Zakir Hussain Biography, Age, Career, Nationality, Family, Height, Net Worth, Death and More
Zakir Hussain Biography, Age, Career, Nationality, Family, Height, Net Worth, Death and More
Zakir Hussain Ustad Zakir Hussain Allarakha Qureshi is one name that connotes musical prowess. He is one of the most well-known tabla virtuosos in the world, and his contributions to Indian classical music and fusion have had a significant impact on the international scene.
Zakir Hussain Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, into a family with a rich musical tradition. His father, Ustad Allah Rakha, was one of the most influential tabla players of his time. It was under his guidance that Zakir developed a passion for music at an early age. He began learning the tabla when he was just seven years old, and by the time he was twelve, he had already performed live in front of an audience.
Growing up surrounded by musical giants, Zakir’s talent was nurtured not only by his father but also through his formal training with other prominent tabla maestros. His early exposure to various music styles—Indian classical, jazz, and fusion—greatly influenced his approach to the tabla, helping him cultivate a unique style that transcended traditional boundaries.
Zakir Hussain Age:
As of 2024, Zakir Hussain is 73 years old. Despite his age, he remains an active and influential figure in the music world, still performing and creating new music. His longevity in the industry is a testament to his dedication, passion, and exceptional skill. Zakir’s career has not only enriched Indian classical music but has also made significant contributions to the global music scene, earning him recognition worldwide.
Zakir Hussain Career:
Zakir Hussain’s career spans over five decades and is marked by groundbreaking achievements. Starting his career as a child prodigy, Zakir earned widespread recognition by his early twenties. He played with some of the biggest names in Indian classical music, including legendary sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar and violin maestro L. Subramaniam.
Zakir’s career reached new heights when he began exploring fusion music, collaborating with Western musicians. A pivotal moment in his career was his involvement with the groundbreaking fusion band Shakti, which combined Indian classical music with jazz. Collaborating with renowned jazz musicians, including the legendary guitarist John McLaughlin, Zakir’s fusion of Eastern and Western music earned him international acclaim. His work with Shakti remains one of the most innovative projects in the history of world music.
Throughout his career, Zakir has performed with a wide array of artists across genres, composed original works, and contributed to numerous recordings. His ability to blend tradition with modernity, and his unmatched virtuosity on the tabla, have made him a global ambassador for Indian classical music.
Awards and honours:
Hussain was awarded the titles of Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Awarded the Indo-American Award in 1990 in recognition of his outstanding cultural contribution to relations between the United States and India.
Presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990 by the President of India, making him one of the youngest musicians to receive this recognition given by the Sangeet Natak Academy, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.
In 1992 Planet Drum, an album co-created and produced by Hussain and Mickey Hart, was awarded the first-ever Grammy for Best World Music Album, the Downbeat Critics’ Poll for Best World Beat Album and the NARM Indie Best Seller Award for a World Music Recording.
Recipient of a 1999 National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States government’s honour for a master in the traditional arts, presented by First Lady Hillary Clinton at the United States Senate on 28 September 1999.
In 2005, he was named an Old Dominion Fellow by the Humanities Council at Princeton University, where he resided for the 2005–2006 semester as full professor in the music department, teaching a survey course in Indian classical music and dance.
Recipient of the Kalidas Samman in 2006, an award for artists of exceptional achievement, from the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Golden Strings of the Sarode (Moment! Records 2006) with Aashish Khan and Hussain was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional World Music Album category in 2006.
In 2007, readers’ polls from both Modern Drummer and Drum! magazines named Hussain Best World Music and Best World Beat Drummer respectively.
On 8 February 2009 for the 51st Grammy Awards, Hussain won the Grammy in the Contemporary World Music Album category for his collaborative album Global Drum Project along with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju & Giovanni Hidalgo.
On 23 February 2012 for Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Lifetime Achievement Award at Konark Dance & Music Festival, organised by Konark Natya Mandap
Summer of 2016, he was nominated for President’s Medal of the Arts, however, new rule stated non-Americans could not receive the medal.
On 18 January 2017, San Francisco Jazz Center gave Hussain a Lifetime Achievement Award In 2019, Sangeet Natak Academy, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama, honored Hussain with the Academy Fellow award, also known as the Academy Ratna, for the year 2018.
In 2022, Mumbai University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) degree in recognition of his outstanding achievement in the music industry.
The non-profit Inamori Foundation announced on June 17, 2022, that he would be the recipient of the Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private honor for international achievement, in the Arts and Philosophy (field: Music) category.
At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024, Hussain took home three award. The song that Hussain won first was Pashto, which was composed and recorded in association with Indian flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, American bassist Edgar Meyer, and American banjo player Béla Fleck. Alongside Fleck, Meyer, and Chaurasia, Hussain received his second Grammy of the evening for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the eclectic classical-meets-jazz album As We Speak. The album This Moment, the highly regarded return of the groundbreaking world-fusion band Shakti, was the reason for his third victory of the evening.
Zakir Hussain Nationality:
Zakir Hussain is an Indian by nationality and has remained a strong ambassador for Indian classical music around the world. He has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Indian tabla to global audiences. Zakir’s role in bridging the cultural gap through music has made him an influential figure not just in India but internationally as well.
Despite his worldwide success, Zakir has remained deeply connected to his Indian roots. His work continues to reflect the traditions of Indian classical music while embracing modern influences, making his music resonate with people from all walks of life.
Zakir Hussain Personal life:
Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher, who was also his manager.They had two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Anisa graduated from UCLA and is a film maker. Isabella is studying dance in Manhattan.
Hussain had two brothers: Taufiq Qureshi a percussionist, and Fazal Qureshi, also a tabla player. Their brother Munawar died at a young age when he was attacked by a rabid dog.His eldest sister Bilquis died before Hussain was born. Another sister, Razia, died due to complications during a cataract surgery, just a few hours before their father’s death in 2000. He has another sister named Khurshid.
He was named an Old Dominion Fellow by the Humanities Council at Princeton University, where he resided for the 2005–2006 semester as full professor in the music department.[19] He was also a visiting professor at Stanford University. In May 2022, he was conferred the honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) degree for his contribution to the field of music by Mumbai University.
Zakir Hussain Family:
Music runs deep in Zakir Hussain’s family. His father, Ustad Allah Rakha, was one of the foremost tabla players in India, and his mother, also a musician, played a significant role in his early musical upbringing. Zakir’s musical legacy is undoubtedly a result of this nurturing environment.
Zakir is married to Sayeeda, and the couple has two daughters. While his family members are not as actively involved in music, they have always been his greatest supporters, helping him balance his professional and personal life. Zakir’s family has been instrumental in the growth of his career, providing him with the foundation and encouragement he needed to become the globally acclaimed artist he is today.
Zakir Hussain Height:
Zakir Hussain stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). While his physical stature is impressive, his true greatness lies in his artistic presence. Whether performing solo or collaborating with other musicians, Zakir commands the stage with a combination of musical brilliance and charisma. His dedication to his craft has made him one of the most respected tabla players in the world, earning admiration from fellow musicians and audiences alike.
Zakir Hussain Net Worth:
Over his illustrious career, Zakir Hussain has amassed significant wealth. While the exact figures are difficult to verify, his estimated net worth is around $10 million. Much of this wealth comes from his performances, album sales, teaching, and collaborations with some of the most prominent musicians across the globe. His influence in the music industry, coupled with his ability to teach and inspire new generations of musicians, has played a significant role in his financial success.
Despite his wealth, Zakir Hussain remains humble and focused on his art. His love for music and his dedication to its mastery are at the core of his life’s work, and financial success is merely a byproduct of his extraordinary talent and hard work.
Zakir Hussain Death:
Hussain died from complications arising due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco, California, on 16 December 2024, at the age of 73 USA
Zakir has not only left an indelible mark on Indian classical music but also on the fusion genre and the global music community. His recordings, performances, and teachings will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of music.
Zakir Hussain’s Enduring Impact
Zakir Hussain’s biography tells the story of a man who has dedicated his life to mastering his art. From his early days as a tabla prodigy in Mumbai to becoming a globally recognized musician, his journey is one of relentless passion, innovation, and excellence. His contributions to Indian classical music, fusion music, and global music culture are immeasurable, and his influence will continue to resonate for years to come.
Whether through his live performances, collaborations, or recordings, Zakir’s impact on the music world is undeniable. As he enters his 70s, his legacy only grows stronger, inspiring both current and future generations of musicians and music lovers. Zakir Hussain is more than just a musician; he is a symbol of musical brilliance that will continue to shape the world of music for generations to come.
