Renowned soul vocalist Jean Knight, famed for her timeless track “Mr. Big Stuff,” has passed away at the age of 80.
Jean Knight, whose real name was Jean Caliste, passed away from natural causes on November 22, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her death was announced by her publicist and confirmed by family members. Born in 1943, Knight’s ascent to fame began with the hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” which she recorded at Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi. The song achieved significant success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and leading the Soul Singles chart for five consecutive weeks.
Knight’s musical career started in 1965 with her first demo, a rendition of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.” Although she was a local sensation in New Orleans, her national fame was delayed until her discovery by songwriter Ralph Williams in 1970.
The success of “Mr. Big Stuff” garnered Knight a Grammy nomination in 1972 and a double platinum certification. Knight’s repertoire included well-received songs like “My Toot Toot” and “Jesse Joe (You Got to Go).” She collaborated with several record labels and eventually founded her own, Comstar.
In 2007, Knight was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, a testament to her influence in the music industry. Bernie Cyrus, of the Louisiana Music Commission, remembered Knight as a generous artist with an irreplaceable style, particularly in her rendition of “Mr. Big Stuff.”
Knight’s family emphasized her legacy as an artist deeply connected with her community and her fans.
