Tabla Virtuoso Zakir Hussain has Died, Aged 73

The Grammy Award-winning Indian artist passed away of lung disease in San Francisco

Born in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain began training on the tabla, a pair of drums used in Indian classical music, with his father Ustad Allarakha Khan. By age 19, he was playing more than 150 concerts a year in India and beyond. As his fame grew, he helped transform the tabla into a loved solo instrument, instead of its conventional accompaniment role.

He did not prescribe to one genre and collaborated with the likes of rockstars George Harrison and Van Morrison, jazz legend Charles Lloyd, and bluegrass artist Béla Fleck.

In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band Shakti with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, who described him as "the King, in whose hands, rhythm became magic."

Throughout his career, Hussain earned seven Grammy nominations and won four of them. He was also given the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

He became "one of the most sought-after accompanists to the very best of Hindustani classical musicians and dancers," wrote biographer Nasreen Munni Kabir. However, in the past 20 years, Hussain pivoted to playing with young musicians and used his prominence to help further their careers.

"His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians," wrote his family. "He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej called him "one of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced."