Jean Knight, Legendary ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ Singer, Dead at 80

Jean Knight

“Mr. Big Stuff” singer Jean Knight has died aged 80.

Knight, whose iconic 1971 song topped the charts for five weeks, died in her hometown of New Orleans last Wednesday, her family confirmed in a statement shared by New Orleans broadcaster LBJ on X (formerly known as Twitter) Sunday.

The singer died of natural causes, TMZ reported. Knight’s death was also confirmed by her friend Bernie Cyrus to Rolling Stone.

“New Orleans and the music world moves the loss of one of its most treasured, musical daughters, Jean Knight, he departed this world on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80,” Knight’s family shared in their statement. “Ms. Knight, a native of New Orleans, became an integral part of the city’s musical legacy.”

Knight died aged 80 of natural causes on November 22, family has confirmed.

Knight recorded her first demo track, a cover of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around,” at age 22 in 1965. She secured her first record deal soon after with the Jet Star/Tribe label.

Despite this, her career was slow to take off and she combined singing with working a day job as a baker until she found major success with “Mr. Big Stuff”, which was released by the iconic Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Grammy-nominated song is one of the most recognizable classic funk records of all time and has gone on to sell over three million copies, according to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, per Rolling Stone.

“She was always willing to get involved with good causes and help out,” Cyrus, who is the former executive director of the Louisiana Music Commission, told Rolling Stone, “She was just fabulous.”

Knight found major success after the release of song “Mr Big Stuff” in 1971.

“Beyond touring, recording studios, Ms. Knight loved cooking delicious Creole dishes for family and friends, celebrated Mardi Gras with several local krewes, and proudly served on the Louisiana Music Commission,” Knight’s family said of the late singer in their statement Sunday.

“Ms. 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,” the statement continued. “As we bid farewell to this iconic soulstress, New Orleans and her global fan base join together in gratitude for the inedible much left on the world.”

The family finished their statement by asking for “privacy during this difficult time” as they thanked fans for their support.

source: people.com