{"id":242301,"date":"2023-11-27T19:06:34","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T19:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/?p=242301"},"modified":"2023-11-27T19:06:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T19:06:34","slug":"jean-knight-dead-at-80-legendary-mr-big-stuff-singer-dies-as-cause-of-death-remains-unknown-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/world-news\/jean-knight-dead-at-80-legendary-mr-big-stuff-singer-dies-as-cause-of-death-remains-unknown-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Jean Knight dead at 80: Legendary 'Mr. Big Stuff' singer dies as cause of death remains unknown | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"
JEAN Knight, the chart-topping songstress behind '70s hits like 'Mr. Big Stuff' and 'Think It Over,' has died.<\/strong><\/p>\n Her death on Wednesday at the age of 80 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was confirmed by the agency that represented her on Sunday.<\/p>\n Knight was most prolifically known for her hit \u201cMr. Big Stuff,\u201d which is featured in the Stax Musem's opening documentary. <\/p>\n She found her start singing in her cousin's bar, Laura\u2019s Place, post-high school graduation.<\/p>\n Her voice caught the attention of multiple bands who wished to accompany her vocals.<\/p>\n After covering Jackie Wilson's Stop Doggin\u2019 Me Around in 1965 for a demo, she signed a contract with Jet Star\/Tribe record labels and adopted her stage name of Jean Knight, dropping her given surname Caliste.<\/p>\n Her musical career stalled by the late 1960s and she worked as a baker for a time before releasing Mr. Big Stuff under songwriter Ralph Williams.<\/p>\n Only a year following the release, Stax Records picked up the song and released it as an instant success.<\/p>\n The song reached number two on the pop charts and number one in R&B.<\/p>\n Knight's song went platinum and she was Grammy nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance in the female category, narrowly losing to Aretha Franklin.<\/p>\n <\/picture>GRACE SPENT <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>ROSE WHINE <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>WALTZ OFF <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>FOUND SAFE <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n She later signed to Soulin\u2019 label in 1981 and by 1985 was touring consistently and still releasing hits like You Got the Papers but I Got the Man and a cover of My Toot Toot.<\/p>\n In 2003, Knight returned to her old label's museum grand opening to perform her biggest hit, \u201cMr. Big Stuff\u201d, on the PBS special\u00a0Soul Comes Home.<\/p>\n Word of Knight's death first began circulating on Wednesday with an obituary outlining her successful career.<\/p>\n It was not until Sunday, that her former record label Stax confirmed the star's death.<\/p>\n Her cause of death is currently unknown.<\/p>\n Fans have been taking to\u00a0social media\u00a0to mourn the musician.<\/p>\n "Wow RIP, her music was so fun; will be jamming out to her 1971 album tonight. A big loss," shared one fan.<\/p>\n "My condolences to the family of Jean Knight, may she R.I.P.," another\u00a0wrote.<\/p>\n "Even when we were too young and had no business singing it! Thank you for the memories. May you rest easy Ms Knight," remembered another fan fondly.<\/p>\n
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