Jean Knight, known for her funky and sassy song Mr Big Stuff, passed away at the age of 80 from natural causes, as confirmed by her publicist and friend Bernie Cyrus. The song was a major hit in 1971 and brought her to fame.
Born Jean Caliste in New Orleans in 1943, Knight’s career took off after recording Mr Big Stuff with producer Wardell Quezergue in 1970. The song, in which Knight dismisses a conceited man, became a hit, topping the US R&B chart and reaching No 2 on the pop chart, earning her a Grammy nomination.
After being dropped by Stax the following year, Knight continued to release music until 1999, having a minor hit with My Toot Toot in 1985. Mr Big Stuff’s popularity endured through its use in soundtracks and advertising, as well as being sampled by other artists.
Knight’s song Do Me has also seen a resurgence in popularity, featuring in the Superbad soundtrack and gaining traction on streaming services. She had a successful career that continued to impact the music industry for years to come.