NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Jean Knight (born Jean Caliste), one of New Orleans' most cherished musical daughters, died on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80, leaving the city and the music world in mourning, as per theshaderoom. Jean, a New Orleans native, became an important part of the city's musical tradition.
Her musical career began with "Stop Doggin' Me Around" on JetStream Records and concluded with the seminal "Mr. Big Stuff" on Stax Records, which displayed not only her tremendous skill but also a dynamic connection with famed New Orleans producer Wardell Quezerque.
How did Jean Knight get her break?
Jean, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 26, 1943, was a soul, R&B, and funk vocalist best remembered for her 1971 Stax Records classic "Mr. Big Stuff." After graduating from high school, Jean began singing at her cousin's pub, Laura's Place, attracting the attention of a variety of bands eager to join her.
In 1965, she recorded a demo of her cover of Jackie Wilson's "Stop Doggin' Me Around." Her tape piqued the interest of record producer Huey Meaux, who signed her to a recording contract with the Jet Star/Tribe labels.
Why did Jean Knight change her birth name?
Jean acquired the professional name "Jean Knight" shortly after getting a recording deal because her surname was too difficult to pronounce. She released four songs and made a reputation for herself locally, but she was unable to get national exposure.
Jean Knight turned to bakery when music career failed
By the late 1960s, it was clear that her career was falling short of her lofty ambitions, so Jean decided to work as a baker in the Loyola University cafeteria in New Orleans. Ralph Williams, a songwriter, found her in early 1970 and asked her to record some songs.
She met record producer Wardell Quezergue through Ralph's contacts. She proceeded to Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, in May of that year for a recording session, during which she recorded "Mr. Big Stuff."
After the session, the song was pitched to producers at several major labels, all of whom rejected it.
Jean Knight received her first Grammy nomination for 'Mr. Big Stuff'
When King Floyd's smash "Groove Me" (also recorded at Malaco Studios) became a #1 R&B success in early 1971, a producer at Stax Records remembered Jean's version of "Mr. Big Stuff," and it was released. The song was likewise an immediate hit in 1971, peaking at #2 on the pop chart and becoming a #1 R&B hit.
It went double platinum and was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, but lost to Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The R.I.A.A. gave it a gold disc after it sold over two million copies.
Jean sang the smash song on Soul Train. Jean was voted the 'Most Promising Female Vocalist' the following year.
The album of the same name was somewhat successful. Jean was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in October 2007 for her contributions to Louisiana music.
The song "Do Me" by Jean was featured on the 2007 Superbad Soundtrack.
