Jean Knight signed to a label in 1981
Jean Knight later signed to Soulin’ 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.
In 2003, Knight returned to her old label’s museum grand opening to perform her biggest hit, “Mr. Big Stuff,” on the PBS special Soul Comes Home.
Jean Knight worked as a baker before her biggest hit
Jean Knight’s 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.
Only a year following the release, Stax Records picked up the song and released it as an instant success.
The song reached number two on the pop charts and number one in R&B.
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.
Inside Jean Knight’s rise to fame
Jean Knight found her start singing in her cousin’s bar, Laura’s Place, post-high school graduation.
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Her voice caught the attention of multiple bands who wished to accompany her vocals.
After covering Jackie Wilson’s Stop Doggin’ 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.
Best known for ‘Mr. Big Stuff’
Jean Knight was most prolifically known for her hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” which is featured in the Stax Musem’s opening documentary.
“Mr. Big Stuff” spent five weeks at the top spot on the Billboard Soul Singles chart, and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Besides the documentary, “Mr. Big Stuff” was featured in many movies and TV shows.
‘Mr. Big Stuff’ singer dead at 80
Jean Knight, the chart-topping songstress behind ’70s hits like “Mr. Big Stuff” and “Think It Over,” has died.
Her death on Wednesday at the age of 80 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was confirmed by the agency that represented her on Sunday.
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