R&B and soul singer Jean Knight, best known for her 1971 chart-topping hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” has died at the age of 80.
Ms. Knight passed away on Nov. 22 in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was born on Jan. 26, 1943.
In a statement, Ms. Knight’s family expressed their grief and celebrated her life and accomplishments.
“New Orleans and the music world mourns the loss of one of its most treasured musical daughters, Jean Knight,” the family said in a statement to USA Today.
Ms. Knight rose to fame with her 1971 hit record “Mr. Big Stuff,” with its famous refrain, “Who do you think you are?” This song made her Stax Records’ top-selling female artist.
Recorded in May 1970 at Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, the song initially faced rejection from several labels. However, Stax Records released it in 1971 following the success of King Floyd’s hit “Groove Me,” also recorded at Malaco Studios, which became a number 1 R&B hit.
The iconic track soared to No. 2 on the pop chart, achieving double-platinum status by selling over 2 million copies. Awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A., “Mr. Big Stuff” became Stax Records’ highest-selling single ever.
The song also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, ultimately losing to Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Ms. Knight’s family emphasized her profound connection with her audience.
“Her concerts were not just performances but celebrations of the enduring bond she shared with those who appreciated her music,” their statement said. “Whether in the intimate venues of the French Quarter or on the grand stages of global music festivals, Ms. Knight made every fan a cherished part of her extended musical family.”
In addition to her musical legacy, Ms. Knight’s family underscored her deep love for her roots.
“Jean Knight’s legacy is not just a musical one; it is a testament to the enduring love between an artist, her hometown, and the fans who adored her. As we bid farewell to this iconic soulstress, New Orleans, and her global fan base join together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world,” their statement concluded.
Ms. Knight’s musical career began in 1965 with her cover of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around,” which secured her a recording contract with the Jet Star/Tribe record label.
Bernie Cyrus, longtime executive director of the Louisiana Music Commission and a friend of Ms. Knight, remembered her as someone always willing to support good causes.
He praised “Mr. Big Stuff” as a universal anthem, telling Rolling Stone, “People remember it. So many people covered it. But nobody did it like Jean.”
Another musical collaborator, Reginald Toussaint, who served as an engineer on one of Ms. Knight’s albums, said she was a “lovely woman.”
Describing Ms. Knight’s personality, Mr. Toussaint, currently the executive director of production for New Orleans Jazz Fest and Essence Music Festival, emphasized her genuine kindness and gentle spirit. He recalled her consistent warmth, noting that she always wore a smile whenever they crossed paths.
Born in New Orleans as Jean Caliste, Ms. Knight adopted the stage name “Knight” for her musical career.
Ms. Knight toured for many years, delivering performances both on large festival stages and in more intimate smaller French Quarter venues.
In 2007, for the 50th anniversary of Stax Records, a photo of Ms. Knight in front of her restored New Orleans home was featured in a special Stax Museum exhibit titled “Where Are They Now” highlighting her resilience after Hurricane Katrina.
