Zakir Hussain, the virtuoso tabla player who revolutionized Indian classical music and built bridges between Eastern and Western musical traditions, passed away at 73. His death marks the end of an era in world music, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the perception of Indian percussion globally.

Born into a musical family in Mumbai, India, Hussain began his journey with the tabla at the tender age of three under the guidance of his father, Alla Rakha, himself a legendary tabla player. By his teens, Hussain had already established himself as a prodigy, performing alongside some of India's most renowned classical musicians.

What set Hussain apart was his extraordinary ability to transcend cultural and musical boundaries. His collaborations ranged from classical Indian musicians to Western jazz legends like John McLaughlin in the fusion group Shakti. He also worked with artists as diverse as George Harrison, Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, and Van Morrison, helping to popularize Indian percussion in Western music.

His contributions to music include:

Elevating the tabla from an accompanying instrument to a solo performance instrument
Creating groundbreaking fusion music that blended Indian classical with jazz and rock
Winning numerous awards, including a Grammy and the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors
Establishing the Moment Records label to promote world music

Beyond his performances, Hussain was known for his role as a cultural ambassador, teaching and mentoring younger musicians while promoting understanding between different musical traditions. His work in film scores, including 'Apocalypse Now,' further broadened the reach of Indian classical music.

Hussain's passing represents not just the loss of a magnificent musician, but of a visionary who showed how music could transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together. His influence on world music and his message of cultural unity through artistic expression will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

John McLaughlin on FusePop