Hussain passed away at age 73 in a San Francisco hospital from complications due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, his family said in a statement.

The eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, he was a child prodigy, beginning his professional career at age 12 accompanying Indian classical musicians.

By 18, he was touring internationally, winning acclaim for his accompaniment, dazzling solo performances, and pioneering collaborative work with world musicians that elevated the status of the tabla in India and abroad.

His collaborators included George Harrison, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and jazz musician Herbie Hancock.

Hussain was nominated for seven Grammy awards, winning four including three this year. He was also the recipient of India’s highest honour for artistes, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said he would be “remembered as a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music”.

“He brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm,” Modi added.

Hussain was born in India’s financial hub Mumbai – then Bombay – in 1951. He moved to the US in 1970 and later formed the fusion band “Shakti”, or “Power”, with British guitarist John McLaughlin.

This year, the group won the Grammy for best global music album for their record “This Moment”.

The tabla, Hussain said in an interview with news agency Press Trust of India last year, was a “mate, a brother, a friend”.

“I find myself at a place where I cannot imagine that I can exist without it. It motivates me to get up in the morning and say ‘hello’,” he said.