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JEAN Knight, the chart-topping songstress behind ’70s hits like ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ and ‘Think It Over,’ has died.
Her death on Wednesday at the age of 80 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was confirmed by the agency that represented her on Sunday.
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Knight was most prolifically known for her hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” which is featured in the Stax Musem’s opening documentary.
She found her start singing in her cousin’s bar, Laura’s Place, post-high school graduation.
Her voice caught the attention of multiple bands who wished to accompany her vocals.
After covering Jackie Wilson’s Stop Doggin’ Me Around in 1965 for a demo, she signed a contract with Jet Star/Tribe record labels and adopted her stage name of Jean Knight, dropping her given surname Caliste.
Her musical career stalled by the late 1960s and she worked as a baker for a time before releasing Mr. Big Stuff under songwriter Ralph Williams.
Only a year following the release, Stax Records picked up the song and released it as an instant success.
The song reached number two on the pop charts and number one in R&B.
Knight’s song went platinum and she was Grammy nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance in the female category, narrowly losing to Aretha Franklin.
She later signed to Soulin’ label in 1981 and by 1985 was touring consistently and still releasing hits like You Got the Papers but I Got the Man and a cover of My Toot Toot.
In 2003, Knight returned to her old label’s museum grand opening to perform her biggest hit, “Mr. Big Stuff”, on the PBS special Soul Comes Home.
Word of Knight’s death first began circulating on Wednesday with an obituary outlining her successful career.
It was not until Sunday, that her former record label Stax confirmed the star’s death.
Her cause of death is currently unknown.
Fans have been taking to social media to mourn the musician.
“Wow RIP, her music was so fun; will be jamming out to her 1971 album tonight. A big loss,” shared one fan.
“My condolences to the family of Jean Knight, may she R.I.P.,” another wrote.
“Even when we were too young and had no business singing it! Thank you for the memories. May you rest easy Ms Knight,” remembered another fan fondly.
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