Zakir Hussain is an internationally renowned tabla player and musician hailing from India. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, he comes from a family of musicians. His father, Alla Rakha, was a legendary tabla player, and Zakir Hussain inherited his musical talents and passion. At a young age, Zakir Hussain displayed a prodigious talent for playing the tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument. He received his initial training from his father and later studied under the guidance of other renowned tabla maestros. Zakir Hussain's dedication and relentless practice helped him refine his skills and develop a unique style that blended tradition with innovation.
Zakir Hussain's musical journey took him beyond the boundaries of Indian classical music. He has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians from different genres, including jazz, fusion, and world music. His ability to seamlessly blend Indian rhythms with other musical styles has earned him global recognition and made him a sought-after collaborator. Throughout his career, Zakir Hussain has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. He has been honoured with several awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Grammy Awards. His mesmerizing tabla solos and captivating performances have captivated audiences and earned him a dedicated fan base. Apart from his performances as a solo artist, Zakir Hussain has also been an active member of various musical ensembles and bands. He has composed music for films, participated in cross-cultural collaborations, and served as an ambassador of Indian music on the international stage.
Zakir Hussain's impact on the world of music extends beyond his virtuosity as a tabla player. He has been a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Indian classical music and has dedicated himself to nurturing young talent through teaching and mentoring. His contributions to music education and his efforts to bridge cultural gaps have earned him immense respect and admiration. With his exceptional talent, innovation, and deep understanding of rhythm, Zakir Hussain has elevated the art of tabla playing to new heights. His virtuoso performances continue to inspire and enthral audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
Age
Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India. As of 2023, which is June 29, 2023, Zakir Hussain is 72 years old. His zodiac sign is Pisces.
Family
Zakir Hussain comes from a musical family with a rich heritage in Indian classical music. He is the son of the legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, who was a prominent figure in the world of percussion. Zakir Hussain's father played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey and introducing him to the art of tabla.
Zakir Hussain is also the grandson of the renowned tabla player Ustad Amir Hussain Khan. His family lineage and upbringing in a musical environment greatly influenced his passion for music and his dedication to mastering the tabla. In addition to his father and grandfather, Zakir Hussain's family includes other renowned musicians. His brothers, Fazal Qureshi and Taufiq Qureshi, are accomplished percussionists, carrying forward the family legacy in the world of rhythm. The musical heritage and upbringing in a family of maestros have played a significant role in shaping Zakir Hussain's career and establishing him as one of the most celebrated tabla players in the world.
Career
Hussain played on George Harrison's 1973 album Living in the Material World and John Handy's 1973 album Hard Work. He also performed on Van Morrison's 1979 album Into the Music and Earth, Wind & Fire's 1983 album Powerlight. Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, who had known Hussain since the 1960s, invited him to create the special album Planet Drum, featuring drummers from different parts of the world. Featured along with Hussain, from India, was Vikku Vinayakram, with whom Hussain had collaborated in Shakti.
The first Planet Drum album, released in 1991 on the Rykodisc label, went on to earn the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, the first Grammy ever awarded in this category. The Global Drum Project album and tour brought Mickey Hart, Hussain, Sikiru Adepoju, and Giovanni Hidalgo together again in a reunion sparked by the 15th anniversary of the Planet Drum album. The album Global Drum Project won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 51st Grammy Awards Ceremony held on 8 February 2009. Hussain composed, performed and acted as an Indian music advisor for the Malayalam film Vanaprastham, a 1999 Cannes Film Festival entry that was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (AFI Fest) in 1999, and won awards at 2000 Istanbul International Film Festival (Turkey), 2000 Mumbai International Film Festival (India), and 2000 National Film Awards (India). He has composed soundtracks for several movies, most notably In Custody and The Mystic Masseur by Ismail Merchant, and has played tabla on the soundtracks of Francis Coppola's Apocalypse Now, Bernardo Bertolucci's Little Buddha, and other films. He starred in several films specifically showcasing his musical performance both solo and with different bands, including the 1998 documentary Zakir and His Friends, and the documentary The Speaking Hand: Zakir Hussain and the Art of the Indian Drum (2003 Sumantra Ghosal).
Hussain co-starred as Inder Lal in the 1983 Merchant Ivory film Heat and Dust, for which he was an associate music director. Hussain is a founding member of Bill Laswell's world music supergroup Tabla Beat Science. In 2016, Hussain was amongst many musicians invited by President Obama to the International Jazz Day 2016 All-Star Global Concert at the White House. Haridas Vhatkar has been making Hussain's tablas for more than 18 years. Haridas said he learned how to make tabla so he could specially make them for Hussain. Hussain has stated that he does not play at private gatherings, corporate events, or weddings; he believes music should not be heard at events where folks come to socialize, drink or enjoy a meal
Top 5 Songs
Tabla Solo - Ek Taal
In this mesmerizing tabla solo performance, Zakir Hussain showcases his virtuosity and mastery over the instrument. With intricate rhythms, lightning-fast finger movements, and impeccable control, he takes the listeners on a rhythmic journey, exploring the depths of tabla intricacies.
Taal - Theme Music
Zakir Hussain's collaboration with music composer A.R. Rahman resulted in this enchanting theme music for the Bollywood movie Taal. The composition beautifully blends classical tabla rhythms with contemporary elements, creating a captivating and soul-stirring musical experience.
Maki Madni
In the qawwali tradition, Zakir Hussain collaborates with qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in the iconic track Maki Madni. His tabla accompaniment complements Khan's powerful vocals, creating a rhythmic tapestry that adds depth and intensity to the qawwali performance.
Rythm in the Divine Dance
In this fusion composition, Zakir Hussain collaborates with renowned flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia. Rhythm in the Divine Dance showcases their exceptional musical prowess as they seamlessly blend the sounds of tabla and flute, creating a mesmerizing and harmonious interplay of melodies and rhythms.
Deserts on Fire
In the album Making Music, Zakir Hussain teams up with guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and bassist Zakir Hussain to create the track Deserts on Fire. This fusion composition combines elements of Indian classical music with jazz and rock influences, resulting in a high-energy and exhilarating musical experience where Zakir Hussain's tabla skills shine brightly.
Career Timeline
Year
Song Name
1987
Rythm in the Divine Dance
1987
Deserts on Fire
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Umayalpuram
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Palghat
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Alla Rakha
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Kishan
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Ravi
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Sultan
1987
Essence of Rhythm - T.H.
1987
Essence of Rhythm - Zakir
1998
Maki Madni
1999
Taal - Theme Music
N/A
Tabla Solo - Ek Taal
Awards
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 for 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 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, honoured Hussain with the Academy Fellow Award, also known as the Academy Ratna, for the year 2018.
In 2022, he was conferred the honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) degree for his exceptional contribution to the field of music by Mumbai University.
On 17 June 2022, he was named by the non-profit Inamori Foundation to receive the Kyoto Prize, Japan's highest private award for global achievement, in the category of Arts and Philosophy
Check Out The Profiles of Some Other Indian Classical Musicians
Zakir Hussain was a genius student since his childhood. His father, Ustad Alla Rakha, was a legendary Tabla Player and started teaching him Pakhawaj when he was three years old.
He has performed with many legendary maestros of music such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Pandit VG Jog, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, and many more.
In his early twenties, he attained the peak of his popularity and started visiting the United States frequently and he performed more than 150 concerts per year
His wife is also a professional Kathak dancer and a dance teacher. She had also been his manager for a long time.
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