Who was R&B and funk singer Jean Knight?
Mr. Big Stuff," passed away at the age of 80.
Her family confirmed the news.
«New Orleans and the music world mourns the loss of one its most treasure musical daughters, Jean Knight,» her family said in a statement, adding that the popular singer died on Wednesday.
Career Timeline
Born as Jean Caliste n 1943, Knight started her career in 1965 with the release of her first song, a cover of Jackie Wilson's song «Stop Doggin' Me Around».She tasted success with the release of «Mr. Big Stuff» in 1971 that landed her a deal with Stax Records.
"'Mr.
Big Stuff,' which became famous for the infectious refrain, 'Who do you think you are?', wasn't just a chart-topping anthem; it was the product of soulful, syncopated melodies that echoed through the Crescent City," her family wrote while paying homage to her.
The hit sold over one million copies and garnered her a Grammy Award nomination in 1972 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, alongside notable artists such as Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Freda Payne, and the category winner, Aretha Franklin.
In 1972, Jean Knight once again hit the R&B charts with her song 'Carry On'. After leaving Stax, Knight recording tracks for various labels.
In the mid-80s, her cover of Rockin' Sydney's zydeco hit My Toot Toot further established her as a singer. The hit sold over one million copies and garnered her a Grammy Award nomination in 1972 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, alongside notable artists such as Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Freda Payne, and the category winner, Aretha Franklin.
In 2007, Knight was inducted into the Louisiana Music Commission Hall of Fame to honour her contribution to music industry.
Praising her her connection to her fans, her family said: «Her concerts
