Grammy-Nominated Singer Jean Knight Dies at 80
Grammy-nominated singer, Jean Knight, has sadly passed away. She was 80 years old and reportedly died from natural causes. She is known for her hit song “Mr. Big Stuff” and for her love of her hometown of New Orleans. Her family confirmed the news in a joint statement.
It read, “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.” Knight began her career just after high school and became famous after releasing her song “Mr. Big Stuff” in 1971.
The song went all the way to No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 pop chart. Her Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B vocal performance was from the song and its success. During her career, Knight released five studio albums and one compilation album, along with a handful of singles.
Although she did not release any music after the ’90s, she continued touring. She performed “Mr. Big Stuff” on the PBS special Soul Comes Home in 2003. In 2007, her song “Do Me” appeared on the soundtrack for the film Superbad, the same year that she was honored by the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
She often performed in her hometown of New Orleans and toured to appear at festivals around the world. She is survived by her children and her grandchildren who shared, “Beyond touring, recording studios, Ms. Knight loved cooking delicious Creole dishes for family and friends, celebrated Mardi Gras with several local krewes, and proudly served on the Louisiana Music Commission.”
70s Pop Idols
May 2019
The biggest and best from the worlds of rock and disco!
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