Sadly, “Mr. Big Stuff” vocalist Jean Knight has passed away at the age of 80.
Knight, whose legendary song from 1971 topped the charts for five weeks, passed away in Tampa, Florida on November 22. Her family acknowledged her passing in a statement that was released by New Orleans broadcaster LBJ on X (previously known as Twitter) on Sunday.
As stated by TMZ, the singer passed away due to natural causes. Another person who verified Knight’s loss was her friend Bernie Cyrus, who spoke to Rolling Stone.
According to the statement sent by Knight’s family, “New Orleans and the music world are moved by the loss of one of its most treasured, musical daughters, Jean Knight. He made his departure from this world on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80.” Since she was born and raised in New Orleans, Ms. Knight has become an essential component of the musical heritage of the city.
A rendition of Jackie Wilson’s song “Stop Doggin’ Me Around” was Knight’s first demo tape, which she recorded when she was 22 years old in the year 1965. Almost immediately after that, she signed her first record contract with the Jet Star/Tribe label organization.
In spite of this, her career did not take off right away, and she had a day job as a baker in addition to singing until she achieved big success with the song “Mr. Big Stuff,” which was published by the legendary Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, the song that was nominated for a Grammy is one of the most well-known classic funk recordings of all time. It has also gone on to sell more than three million copies, as reported by 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, said Rolling Stone. “She was always willing to provide assistance.” “She was just fabulous.”
“In addition to touring and working in recording studios, Ms. Knight enjoyed preparing mouthwatering Creole dishes for her family and friends. She also participated in Mardi Gras celebrations with a number of local krewes and proudly served on the Louisiana Music Commission,” Knight’s family said in a statement released on Sunday.
“The legacy of Ms. Knight 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 added. “Ms. Knight’s legacy is not just a musical one.” “As we say our goodbyes to this legendary soulstress, New Orleans and her devoted followers all over the world come together to express their gratitude for the inedible love that she left behind for the world.”
During the last portion of their message, the family expressed their gratitude to the supporters for their support and asked for “privacy during this difficult time.”