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

“Mr. Big Stuff” singer Jean Knight has died at the age of 80.

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

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

“New Orleans and the music world mourn the loss of one of its most precious, musical daughters, Jean Knight, who passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80,” Knight’s family shared in a statement. “Mrs. Knight, a native of New Orleans, has become an integral part of the city’s musical legacy.”

Knight died at age 80 of natural causes on Nov. 22, family confirmed.

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

Despite this, her career progressed slowly and she combined singing with her day job as a baker until she achieved great success with the song “Mr. Big Stuff”, 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 sold more than three million copies, according to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, per Rolling stone.

“She was always willing to get involved in good causes and help,” said Cyrus, the former executive director of the Louisiana Music Commission. Rolling stone“She was just fantastic.”

Knight achieved great success after the release of the song “Mr Big Stuff” in 1971.

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“In addition to touring and recording studios, Mrs. Knight enjoyed cooking delicious Creole meals for family and friends, celebrating Mardi Gras with several local folks and proudly serving on the Louisiana Music Commission,” Knight’s family said of the late singer in a statement. Sunday.

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“Mrs. Vitz’s legacy is not only musical; it is a testament to the enduring love between the artist, her hometown and the fans who adored her,” the statement continued. “As we say goodbye to this legendary lover, New Orleans and her global fan base join together in gratitude for what is inedible left in the world.”

The family ended their statement by asking for “privacy at this difficult time” while thanking fans for their support.

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Source: HIS Education