By Adam S. Levy For Dailymail.com
05:12 27 Nov 2023, updated 05:59 27 Nov 2023
- Mr. Big Stuff hit the number two spot on Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release
- It spent another five weeks in the top spot on 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 join together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world,’ her family said
Mr. Big Stuff singer Jean Knight has died at the age of 80 from natural causes, according to her publicist.
The 80-year-old R&B and soul singer’s death was initially reported by veteran New Orleans broadcaster LBJ, who posted a press release from her family dated this past Wednesday that was subsequently confirmed by TMZ.
‘Jean Knight’s legacy 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,’ her family said in a statement. ‘As we bid farewell to this iconic soulstress, New Orleans and her global fan base join 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 1971 song Mr. Big Stuff, which hit the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release, and another five weeks in the top spot on Billboard Soul Singles chart.
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 named Comstar.
The family said it ‘kindly requests privacy during this difficult time and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the love and support from fans.’
Mr. Big Stuff, the catchy song from the New Orleans vocalist, has been a staple in other media such as TV, film and other musical tracks via sampling.
Among the productions to use 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 track include Queen Latifah, John Legend, the Beastie Boys, TLC, Eazy-E, Heavy D & The Boyz, Everclear and Girl Talk, among others.
The track was also covered by artists such as Precious Metal and Lyn Collins.
A number of the singer’s fans took to Twitter to mourn her passing Sunday.
One user said: ‘RIP Jean Knight, prayers to her family. Thank you for this classic.’
Another said, ‘RIP Jean Knight. Mr Big Stuff is an absolute classic.’
Said one user, ‘My entire childhood is passing away. RIP Jean Knight!’
Some fans pointed out her biggest hit’s enduring value in remixed and sampled songs.
‘Without this song we wouldn’t have Who Do We Think We Are by John Legend so Thank You, Mrs. Jean Knight,’ one user said.
