Jean Knight facts for kids

Jean Audrey Knight (born Caliste; January 26, 1943 – November 22, 2023) was an American singer. She was known for her R&B and soul songs. Jean Knight came from New Orleans, Louisiana. She started her music career in the mid-1960s. Her biggest hit was "Mr. Big Stuff" in 1971. This song was released by Stax Records.

Jean Knight's Life Story

Starting Her Music Journey

Jean Audrey Caliste was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 26, 1943. After finishing high school, she began singing. She sang at her cousin's bar, Laura's Place. Many bands noticed her talent. They wanted to play music with her.

In 1965, she made a demo recording. It was a cover version of "Stop Doggin' Me Around" by Jackie Wilson. A record producer named Huey Meaux heard her demo. He signed her to a recording contract with Jet Star/Tribe record labels. She then changed her name to "Jean Knight." She felt her last name, Caliste, was too hard to say.

Jean Knight recorded four singles. She became well-known in her local area. However, she did not get national attention. By the late 1960s, her music career was not going as she hoped. So, she took a job as a baker. She worked in a cafeteria at St. Mary's Dominican College in New Orleans. Jean was raised as a Catholic.

Big Success with "Mr. Big Stuff"

In early 1970, songwriter Ralph Williams found Jean Knight. He wanted her to record some new songs. Through Williams, Jean met record producer Wardell Quezergue. In May 1970, Jean went to Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi. There, she recorded her famous song, "Mr. Big Stuff."

After recording, many national record labels turned down the song. But then, King Floyd's song "Groove Me" became a huge hit. It was also recorded at Malaco Studios. After that, a producer at Stax Records remembered Jean Knight's song. Stax Records decided to release "Mr. Big Stuff."

The song became an instant hit in 1971. It reached No. 2 on the main pop chart. It also became a No. 1 R&B hit. "Mr. Big Stuff" sold over two million copies. It earned a "double-platinum" award. Jean Knight was nominated for a Grammy Award for the song. She performed her hit song on the TV show Soul Train. An album with the same name was also quite popular.

Jean had a few more smaller hits. But she later had disagreements with her producer and record label. This ended her time with Stax Records.

Later Career and Performances

After leaving Stax, Jean Knight recorded for smaller labels. She did not get much attention for new songs. She mostly performed her older hits. She toured on the local "oldie" music circuit.

Things changed in 1981. Jean met producer Isaac Bolden. He signed her to his Soulin' label. They created a song called "You Got the Papers but I Got the Man." This song was a "response song" to another popular record. This helped Jean start touring regularly again.

In 1985, Jean gained more fame. She covered Rockin' Sidney's fun zydeco song, "My Toot Toot." Her version became very successful in the U.S. It reached No. 50 on the pop chart. Jean performed "My Toot Toot" on the TV variety show Solid Gold. The song also became a hit in South Africa.

Jean waited twelve years before releasing another recording. But she kept touring and performing worldwide. She often performed in the Southern states. In 2003, Jean Knight sang "Mr. Big Stuff" on the PBS TV special Soul Comes Home. She continued to tour and perform live. She sometimes performed with artists like Gloria Gaynor.

In October 2007, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame honored Jean Knight. They added her to the Hall of Fame for her music. Her song "Do Me" was also featured on the 2007 Superbad soundtrack.

Family Life and Passing Away

Jean Knight was married at least twice. She had at least one child, a son, with Thomas Commedore. In the early 1970s, she was married to Earl Harris.

Jean Knight passed away at a hospital in Tampa, Florida, on November 22, 2023. She was 80 years old. Her family shared a statement about her death. They said she loved cooking delicious Creole dishes for her family and friends. She also enjoyed celebrating Mardi Gras with local groups. Jean was proud to serve on the Louisiana Music Commission.

Jean Knight's Music Albums

Studio Albums

Compilation Albums

• 1997: The Very Best of Me

Jean Knight's Singles

More About Music and Artists

• List of soul musicians
• List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart
• List of people who appeared on Soul Train