Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro who introduced Indian classical music to global audiences, passed away on Monday at the age of 73. The musician, revered for his unparalleled artistry and his role as a cultural ambassador, died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, at a hospital in San Francisco, his family confirmed in a statement.
“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. 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,” the family said.