Mr. Big Stuff singer Jean Knight has died at the age of 80 from natural causes: ‘We bid farewell to this iconic soulstress’
- Mr. Big Stuff reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release
- It spent another five weeks at number one on the Billboard Soul Singles chart
- Other singles Knight released in her career included Carry On, Do Me, My Toot Toot, Helping Man, Jesse Joe (You Got to Go) and You Think You’re Hot Stuff.
- “New Orleans and her global fan base come together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world,” her family said.
According to her publicist, Mr. Big Stuff singer Jean Knight died of natural causes at the age of 80.
The 80-year-old R&B and soul singer’s death was initially reported by the veteran New Orleans broadcaster L.B.Jwho posted a press release from her family last Wednesday, which was subsequently confirmed by TMZ.
“Jean Knight’s legacy is not just musical; it is a testament to the enduring love between an artist, her hometown and the fans who adored her,” her family said in a statement. “As we say goodbye to this iconic soulstress, New Orleans and her global fanbase come together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world.”
Other singles Knight released in her career included Carry On, Do Me, My Toot Toot, Helping Man, Jesse Joe (You Got to Go) and You Think You’re Hot Stuff.
Knight, who is best known for her song Mr. 1971’s Big Stuff, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release, and spent another five weeks at number one on the Billboard Soul Singles chart.
Mr. Big Stuff singer Jean Knight has died at the age of 80. Pictured in 2014 in New Orleans
The 80-year-old R&B and soul singer’s death was initially reported last Wednesday by veteran New Orleans broadcaster LBJ, when he posted a statement from her family.
Knight’s family pointed to her vaunted career in their statement, noting her stints at JetStream Records, Stax Records and eventually her own record label called Comstar.
The family said they “kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time and express their sincere gratitude for the love and support of fans.”
Mr. Big Stuff, the New Orleans singer’s catchy song, has been an important part of other media such as TV, film and other songs through sampling.
Productions using the song include black-ish, Everwood, Family Guy, The Deuce, Semi-Pro and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Musical artists who have sampled or remixed the song include Queen Latifah, John Legend, the Beastie Boys, TLC, Eazy-E, Heavy D & The Boyz, Everclear and Girl Talk.
The track was also covered by artists such as Precious Metal and Lyn Collins.
The singer was pictured performing in 1970
The musical artist was photographed on stage in her native New Orleans in 1986
Knight was pictured singing at the New Orleans Jazzfest in April 1999
The entertainer was photographed in New Orleans in April 2012
Other singles Knight released in her career included Carry On, Do Me, My Toot Toot, Helping Man, Jesse Joe (You Got to Go) and You Think You’re Hot Stuff. Pictured in 2016 in New Orleans