Mangalore: Jim Reeves Sing-alike Max Karkada (47) Passes Away
Shodhan Prasad
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Oct 18: Max Clifton Karkada (47), the very popular musician-singer who was known for his Jim Reeves-like singing capabilities, passed away here on Monday October 18 of heart attack. Max as he is fondly known was a friendly, jovial person who had entertained and won the hearts of thousands in Muscat, UAE and back in India.
His latest show was a concert tribute to Jim Reeves held at Hotel Ocean Pearl Hotel on August 1, 2010 which was well-organized by himself, as he is used to for the past several years. Max with his team of musicians had been organising Jim Reeves show as a tribute to the legend annually on his death anniversary on July 31. The show had become extremely popular both in the Gulf and in the coastal region, drawing crowds from even Kodagu district.
Max's exceptional resemblance to Jim Reeves' voice, attained through years of hardwork and practice, had given him a special place in the hearts of music lovers. He along with his friends who are also Jim Reeves fans got together in 2003 to start their group and bring the magic of the legendary singer alive. On July 31, 2009, the group led by Max had performed live at Bharath Mall to mark the 45th death anniversary of Jim Reeves.
Born in Haleyangadi on August 23, 1963 was the only talent in his family. He started his career with Max Sound Systems in Haleyangadi which was well-known all over the place as a provider of sound systems for wedding, parties, etc. Popularly known for singing hymns and choirs in the Church, he used to attend most of the church programmes. He was exceptionally skilled with the guitar, for which he seemed to have an inborn talent. But it wasn't just guitar - he played the keyboard and even taught music to his many keen admirers.
He landed in the Sultanate of Oman in the year 1991 in search of greener pastures, and soon became a household name with several Kannadigas, especially Mangaloreans. His interest in music took a more professional shape with the formation of a musical group that started playing for parties and functions.
Max met Sheela in Muscat who was working for a well-known hospital there and they got married in Ruwi Church. They later moved to Dubai in the year 1997 to enhance his career. He worked for a renowned company before moving back to Mangalore to settle down with his family.
Max started his business in steel structuring called Mac Alloys with the help of his friend. It is now a leading supplier to most of the known malls in Mangalore. Though he was finding it difficult to take time off from work, his passion for music stayed on and he still dedicated as much time to it as possible.
Max was the founder of the United Kannada Church in Dubai, which enabled his fellow community people to participate in their regular prayer in Kannada when at that time the service was in English only. On September 13, 2008, he was invited with his family as a guest of honour on the 10th anniversary celebration at St Martin Church, Sharjah, which is also their church, and was felicitated. Late last year he came with his troupe to perform during the Karnataka Sangha Sharjah’s annual day celebrations in Sharjah.
Himself a sound engineer, he sang, recorded and released several cassettes in praise of the Lord. He also trained his son who too is gifted with a melodious voice. Shaun had accompanied his father on many concerts, most notable being the occasions when he sang ‘But you love me Daddy.’
Max's sudden death has shocked all his fans and well-wishers in every nook and corner. He leaves behind his wife Sheela, son Shaun and daughter Chelsea.
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