Jean Knight, the legendary voice synonymous with the 1970s funk classic “Mr. Big Stuff,” has peacefully passed away at the age of 80.
Knight, born, Jean Caliste, died of natural causes, according to family sources.
Originating from New Orleans, Louisiana, Knight’s journey in music began in 1965 with her rendition of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.”
While her initial releases enjoyed regional success, it was in 1971 that Knight catapulted into mainstream acclaim with the release of “Mr. Big Stuff,” her debut recording for Stax Records.
The track soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claimed the top spot on the R&B chart, remaining a fixture for 16 consecutive weeks.
The song achieved double platinum status, selling over two million copies and earning Knight a Grammy nomination.
Beyond its initial success, “Mr. Big Stuff” became a cultural mainstay, featuring prominently in films like Spike Lee’s “Crooklyn,” TV shows such as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Simpsons,” and “The Deuce.”
“Mr Big Stuff” sold over one million copies and earned her a Grammy Award nomination in 1972 for best female R&B vocal performance alongside Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Freda Payne and the category winner Aretha Franklin.
Knight’s impact on the funk era reverberates through her enduring musical legacy, marking her as an indelible figure in the history of music.
Below is a list of some of Jean Knight’s songs:
- Mr. Big Stuff – 1971
- Do Me
- Mr. Big Stuff · 1990
- You Think You’re Hot Stuff
- Mr. Big Stuff · 1990
- My Toot Toot · 1985
- Take Him – 1971
- Don’t Talk About Jody – 1971
- A Little Bit of Something – 1971
- You Got the Papers but I Got the Man
- Think It Over- 1971
- Why I Keep Living These Memories – 1971
- Helping Man
- Jesse Joe
- Blax-Plosion – 2001
- Carry On
- Mr. Big Stuff – 1990
- Call Me Your Fool If You Want To – 1971
- You City Slicker – 1971
- That’s What Love Will Make You Do
- Don’t Break My Heart – 2012
- One-Way Ticket to Nowhere – 1971
- My Heart Is Willing
- Pajama Party – 2000
- Save the Last Kiss for Me
- Bill
- Don’t Break My Heart – 2012
- Pick Up the Pieces
- Funny Bone
- Let the Good Times Roll
- The Man That Left Me
- Isn’t Life Wonderful
- Lover Please
- Shaki de Boo Tee
- Your Six-Bit Change
- Sweet Shu Shun
- The Truth
- Bluesoul Belles, Vol. 2 · 2000
- Low Down Shuffle
