What happened to Jean Knight? dead at 80: The legendary ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ singer is confirmed dead aged 80. Her cause of death and biography facts explored.
Jean Knight had a successful career in the entertainment industry that spanned decades. She launched her professional career in the mid-1960s.
She was a legendary musician best known for her 1971 hit single, “Mr. Big Stuff” released by Stax Records.
In November 2023, Soul Music became one star short following the heartbreaking loss of singer Jean Knight. Here’s everything we know about the chart-topping songstress musician; her cause of death, net worth, career and more explained.
What was Jean Knight’s cause of death?
Jean Knight, soul and funk singer who had hit with Mr Big Stuff, dies aged 80.
Her tragic passing was on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, but it was widely publicised on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
She reportedly died in New Orleans, Louisiana, and her death was confirmed by the agency that represented her.
Shortly after, her former record label Stax also confirmed the star’s passing as an obituary outlining her successful career was shared online.
Her cause of death is currently unknown.
Fans have been taking to social media to mourn the musician.
“Wow RIP, her music was so fun; will be jamming out to her 1971 album tonight. A big loss,” shared one fan.
“My condolences to the family of Jean Knight, may she R.I.P.,” another wrote.
“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.
Who was Jean Knight?
Knight was most prolifically known for her hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” which is featured in the Stax Musem’s opening documentary.
She found her start singing in her cousin’s bar, Laura’s Place, post-high school graduation.
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, dropping her given surname Caliste.
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.
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.
She later signed to Soulin’s 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.
What was Jean Knight’s net worth?
Famed singer Jean Knight made an impressive fortune over the years on her decades-long career in the entertainment industry.
At the time of her death, she reportedly had an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. She accrued her money from her primary career as a musician through various factors, including album sales, royalties, live performances, and business ventures.