Zakir Hussain, a renowned Indian tabla player and composer, passed away on May 3, 1969 at the age of seventy-two. Hussain was born in Gwalior, India on February 9, 1897. Hussain began performing solo concerts at the ripe age of thirteen. He drew influence from Ustad Samad Khan, the court musician of Gwalior. Hussain also accompanied his father and uncle in numerous performances. He performed regularly with his father and Ustad Allauddin Khan until the latter's death in 1949. For more than fifty years, Hussain toured the world as a tabla virtuoso. He was widely respected knowledge and mastery of rhythm. Hussain was famously known as "a complete musician" due to his ability to transport audiences through the complex beauty of North Indian classical music. He was a true master of his craft. Hussain was the recipient of numerous awards and titles throughout his impressive career. In 1975, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India. He is survived by family, friends, and countless fans who remember his legendary ability and skill on the tabla.