Categories: Entertainment

Jean Knight, Beloved ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ Hitmaker, Dies At 80

Rest in heavenly peace???️

Jean Knight, the big voice behind “Mr. Big Stuff,” died on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 80, according to her family’s press release.

Born Jean Caliste on Jan. 26, 1943, the New Orleans native took the music world by storm with her rendition of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around” recorded at JetStream Records. 

Unbeknownst to the soulful songstress who worked as a bread maker at Loyola University, she would impress New Orleans producer Wardell Quezergue, who sent one of his songwriters to her with a proposition to sing a few songs.

Sent to Quezergue’s Malaco Studio in Jackson, MS, in May 1970, Jean was introduced to “Mr. Big Stuff,” the track that propelled her music career. Initially, “Mr. Big Stuff” was a ballad, but Jean felt the song needed more pizzazz. 

Tasked to sing it how she felt, Jean crushed it during the second take, birthing the prominent track that topped the R&B charts for five weeks and remained second on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 16 weeks.

“Mr. Big Stuff” was a sensation and a chart-topping anthem that carried Jean’s infectious sass as she expressed her love for a man with true love instead of one who attempts to impress with charm and materials.

Quezergue submitted “Mr. Big Stuff” to several national record labels, including Stax Records in Memphis. But they all denied it, prompting the producer to start his own label and release King Floyd’s “Groove Me.”

Floyd’s track became a hit in New Orleans and pushed Stax executives to rethink their decision on “Mr. Big Stuff,” which became an overnight success in Washington and New York.

“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,” Jean’s family’s press release read. “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.”

https://twitter.com/lbjnola/status/1728835610822283697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener

Share
Published by
Taylor Berry

Recent Posts

Serena Williams Reigns As Latest Awardee Of Spain’s Princess Of Asturias Prize For Sports

The Queen of tennis has been awarded Spain's Princess of Asturias Prize for Sports. Read More

2 months ago

Megan Thee Stallion Launches ‘Hot Girl Summer’ Swimwear For All Hotties

The singer’s collection boasts inclusive styles: bikinis, full coverage and coverups. All pieces are under… Read More

2 months ago

Kathryn Finney Shares Career Playbook After Funding 2,500+ Black Women

Genius Guild founder Kathryn Finney built a successful career by starting with herself and supporting… Read More

2 months ago