Written by Adam S. Levy for Dailymail.com
05:12 27 November 2023, updated 05:59 27 November 2023
- Mr. Big Stuff reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release
- It spent another five weeks at the top spot on the Billboard Soul Singles chart
- Other singles released by Knight in her career include Carry On, Do Me, My Toot Toot, Helping Man, Jesse Joe (You’ve Gotta Go) and You Think You’re Hot Stuff.
- “New Orleans and her global fan base come together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world,” her family said.
Big Stuff singer Jane Knight has died at the age of 80 of natural causes, according to her publicist.
The death of the 80-year-old R&B and soul singer was initially reported by veteran New Orleans broadcaster Lyndon Johnsonwhich published a press release from her family dated last Wednesday and later confirmed TMZ.
Jan Knight’s legacy is not just a musical one; “It is a testament to the enduring love between the artist, her hometown, and the fans who adore her,” her family said in a statement. “As we bid farewell to this iconic spiritual artist, New Orleans and her global fan base come together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world.”
Other singles released by Knight in her career include Carry On, Do Me, My Toot Toot, Helping Man, Jesse Joe (You’ve Gotta Go) and You Think You’re Hot Stuff.
Knight, best known for her song Mr. 1971’s Big Stuff, which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release, and another five weeks at #1 on the Billboard Soul Singles chart.
Knight’s family referenced her vaunted career in their statement, noting her stints at JetStream Records, Stax Records, and eventually her own record label called Comstar.
The family said they “request privacy during this difficult time and express their sincere gratitude for the love and support from fans.”
Mr. Big Stuff, the New Orleans singer’s catchy song, has been a staple in other media such as television, film, and other musical compositions via sampling.
Productions using the song include Black-ish, Everwood, Family Guy, The Deuce, Semi-Pro and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Musical artists who have sampled or remixed the track include Queen Latifah, John Legend, The Beastie Boys, TLC, Eazy-E, Heavy D & the Boys, Everclear and GirlTalk, among others.
The track has also been covered by artists such as Precious Metal and Lyn Collins.
A number of the singer’s fans took to Twitter to mourn her death on Sunday.
One user said: “Rest in peace Jean Knight, prayers for her family.” Thank you for this classic.
Another said: “Rest in peace, Jean Knight.” Mr. Big Stuff is an absolute classic.
“My entire childhood died,” one user said. Rest in peace Jean Knight!
Some fans have pointed out the lasting value of her biggest hits being remixed and sampled.
“Without this song we wouldn’t have John Legend’s ‘Who Do We Think We Are’ so thank you, Ms. Jane Knight,” one user said.
“Infuriatingly humble web fan. Writer. Alcohol geek. Passionate explorer. Evil problem solver. Incurable zombie expert.”
